turnpike

[ turn-pahyk ]

noun

1. a high-speed highway, especially one maintained by tolls.
2. (formerly) a barrier set across such a highway to stop passage until a toll has been paid; tollgate.

turnpike

/ ˈtɜːnˌpaɪk /

noun

1. between the mid-16th and late 19th centuries
   1. gates or some other barrier set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid
   2. a road on which a turnpike was operated
2. an obsolete word for turnstile
3. a motorway for use of which a toll is charged

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnpike¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English turnepike “road barrier” ( turnpike indef 1, short for turnpike road ). See turn, pike ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnpike¹

C15: from turn + pike ²

Example Sentences

"He was driving along the New Jersey turnpike when it came on his car radio," said Love.

From BBC

On a deserted service road not far from the Florida turnpike, Toole strangled Adam to death with the seatbelt, then decapitated him with a machete.

From Salon

The bugs are still so plentiful, the trained eye can spot them clinging to the trunks of tree of heaven while driving on the turnpike.

From National Geographic

According to troopers, Davis lost control of his Tesla sedan and it collided with the parked pickup truck on the side of the turnpike.

From Seattle Times

Crashes, however, are far more likely on surface streets than on the highway: One study from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation showed that crashes were five times as common on local roads as on turnpikes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• expressway
• freeway
• interstate
• roadway
• state highway
• superhighway