highway

[ hahy-wey ]

noun

1. a main road, especially one between towns or cities:

   the highway between Los Angeles and Seattle.

   Synonyms: interstate, thruway, freeway, expressway

2. any public road or waterway.
3. any main or ordinary route, track, or course.

highway

/ ˈhaɪˌweɪ /

noun

1. a public road that all may use
2. law a main road, esp one that connects towns or cities
3. a main route for any form of transport
4. a direct path or course

Word History and Origins

Origin of highway¹

before 900; Middle English heyewei, Old English heiweg. See high, way ¹

Example Sentences

The song she co-wrote for “Twisters” is built on a simple, repeating, arpeggiated riff on its two main chords, generating a contemplative sound, evoking a long drive on a flat, open highway.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill devoted $5 billion to build public charging stations for cars and trucks every 50 miles along interstate highways.

From Los Angeles Times

“The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways and communities,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

From Salon

Images show debris strewn across the highway as one of the vehicles appeared to have hit the back of the other.

From BBC

He ended up reaching shore alone hours later when it was completely dark, so he waited to look for help until daylight, when he found a nearby highway.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artery
• avenue
• boulevard
• freeway
• interstate
• parking lot
• path
• roadway
• street
• superhighway
• thoroughfare
• track
• turnpike