railway

American  

[reyl-wey] / ˈreɪlˌweɪ /

noun

1. a rail line with lighter-weight equipment and roadbed than a main-line railroad.

2. a railroad, especially one operating over relatively short distances.

3. Also called trackway.  any line or lines of rails rail forming a road of flanged-wheel equipment.

4. Chiefly British. railroad.

---

railway British  

/ ˈreɪlˌweɪ /

noun

1. a permanent track composed of a line of parallel metal rails fixed to sleepers, for transport of passengers and goods in trains

2. any track on which the wheels of a vehicle may run

   a cable railway

3. the entire equipment, rolling stock, buildings, property, and system of tracks used in such a transport system

4. the organization responsible for operating a railway network

5. (modifier) of, relating to, or used on a railway or railways

   a railway engine

   a railway strike

---

Other Word Forms

• interrailway adjective
• prerailway adjective
• railwayed adjective
• railwayless adjective
• unrailwayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of railway

First recorded in 1770–80; rail ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

Warren was told about the attack at 15:37 on 3 February, and when he arrived at Clacton railway station, he was arrested.

From BBC

Jake Kelly, Network Rail regional director for North West and Central, said bank holidays were "among the least busy times on the railway".

From BBC

"I expect both railway routes and Air China flights will increase, and there will be more exchanges and travel between people," said Zhao, who will be spending around a week in North Korea.

From Barron's

"It's got no moat but it has got a little railway I can drive around," he said.

From BBC

Speaking on Friday, Palla said it would take time for the railway to improve both its financial performance and its service.

From Barron's

Related Words

• line
• rail line
• track