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Expressway: meaning, definitions and examples

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expressway

 

[ ɪkˈsprɛsˌweɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

highway

A divided highway designed for high-speed traffic, with at least partial control of access and generally with some grade separation.

Synonyms

freeway, highway, motorway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressway

Used in American English to refer to a major road designed for fast traffic, typically with controlled access.

  • We took the expressway to avoid the city traffic.
  • The new expressway has reduced travel times significantly.
highway

A general term in both American and British English for major roads that connect cities and towns. It can be a broader term than freeway and expressway.

  • The highway runs straight through the town.
  • We had to take the highway to get to the next city.
freeway

Used mainly in American English, referring to a high-speed road with controlled access, either free of tolls or with limited toll collection.

  • He drives to work on the freeway every day.
  • The freeway was congested during rush hour.
motorway

Primarily used in British English, referring to a major road designed for fast traffic with controlled access. Usually similar to the American 'freeway'.

  • The M1 motorway gets very busy during holidays.
  • They are building a new motorway to improve transport links.

Examples of usage

  • Let's take the expressway to get there faster.
  • The expressway was built to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Context #2 | Noun

urban area

A wide road in an urban area, typically with multiple lanes in each direction and few or no intersections.

Synonyms

arterial road, boulevard, thoroughfare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressway

Used to describe a major highway designed for fast traffic, often without any intersections or traffic lights. It is ideal for long-distance travel and high-speed traffic.

  • We took the expressway to avoid the city traffic.
  • The new expressway cuts travel time significantly.
thoroughfare

General term for any busy road or main route that's used by many people for travel or transport. It can be a smaller avenue, street, or larger road.

  • The thoroughfare was busy with pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Living near a thoroughfare can be noisy.
arterial road

Refers to a major road that carries traffic from minor roads to expressways or other major roads. Typically, it connects different parts of a city or urban area.

  • The arterial road was congested during rush hour.
  • New shops are opening along the arterial road.
boulevard

Often used to describe a wide street in a city, usually lined with trees and designed for slower, scenic travel. Boulevards may also have multiple lanes for traffic.

  • We strolled down the beautiful boulevard lined with cafés.
  • The city's main boulevard was decorated for the festival.

Examples of usage

  • The new expressway will connect the downtown area with the suburbs.
  • He drove along the expressway to reach the airport.

Translations

Translations of the word "expressway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 via expressa

🇮🇳 एक्सप्रेसवे

🇩🇪 Schnellstraße

🇮🇩 jalan tol

🇺🇦 швидкісна дорога

🇵🇱 droga ekspresowa

🇯🇵 高速道路

🇫🇷 autoroute

🇪🇸 autopista

🇹🇷 otoyol

🇰🇷 고속도로

🇸🇦 طريق سريع

🇨🇿 dálnice

🇸🇰 diaľnica

🇨🇳 高速公路

🇸🇮 hitra cesta

🇮🇸 hraðbraut

🇰🇿 экспресс жол

🇬🇪 სწრაფი გზა

🇦🇿 sürətli yol

🇲🇽 autopista

Etymology

The term 'expressway' originated in the United States in the early 20th century, as a way to describe roads designed for high-speed traffic with limited access points. The concept evolved over time to include different types of roadways in various countries, each serving the purpose of facilitating faster transportation within and between urban areas.

See also: expressed, expressible, expressing, expression, expressions, expressive, expressively, expressiveness, unexpressed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,600, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.