headway

¹

[ hed-wey ]

noun

1. forward movement; progress in a forward direction:

   The ship's headway was slowed by the storm.

2. progress in general:

   headway in a career.

3. rate of progress:

   a slight headway against concerted opposition.

4. the time interval or distance between two vehicles, as automobiles, ships, or railroad or subway cars, traveling in the same direction over the same route.

headway

²

[ hed-wey ]

noun

1. headroom ( def 2 ).

headway

/ ˈhɛdˌweɪ /

noun

1. motion in a forward direction

   the vessel made no headway

2. progress or rate of progress

   he made no headway with the problem

3. another name for headroom
4. the distance or time between consecutive trains, buses, etc, on the same route

Word History and Origins

Origin of headway¹

First recorded in 1700–10; (a)head + way ¹

Origin of headway²

First recorded in 1700–10; head + way ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make headway, to proceed forward; advance; progress.

More idioms and phrases containing headway

see make headway .

Example Sentences

That trend was expected to continue through Monday, giving crews several days to make headway putting a ring around the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

The favorable weather conditions and headway made by fire crews improved air quality on Saturday, with an alert that had been issued by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District expected to expire at 4 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump made headway among Black male voters that proved detrimental to the vice president's bid, argued Alvin Tillery, a Democratic pollster and founder of the Black Equality Alliance super PAC.

From Salon

“We were inside of a structure fire and starting to make good headway when the hydrants went dry,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Latino voters have historically aligned with Democrats, Trump has made headway with the group this year, according to polling, particularly among Puerto Rican men.

From Salon

Related Words

• advancement