Freeway: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in American English to describe a major road with multiple lanes in each direction designed for fast traffic, without any tolls.

• We took the freeway to get to Los Angeles faster

Used to refer to a high-speed road that may have tolls, often found in both urban and rural areas, and is used in both American and British English.

• The expressway to the city center cuts travel time in half

Primarily used in British English to describe a high-speed, high-capacity road reserved for motor traffic only. This is more commonly referred to in the UK and some Commonwealth countries.

• They took the motorway to get from London to Birmingham quickly

A general term used in American English for any major road intended for travel over long distances. It can be a multi-lane road or even smaller state roads.

• We drove down the highway for hours during our road trip

Best used in the United States to refer to a major road that typically has no tolls and multiple lanes. Used mainly in urban and suburban areas.

• We'll take the freeway to get there faster.
• Traffic on the freeway is pretty heavy today.

Refers to major highways that are part of the Interstate Highway System in the United States, used for long-distance travel across state lines.

• We'll use Interstate 90 to cross the state.
• There was a lot of construction on the interstate.

A general term used in the United States and Canada for any major road. It can be a toll road, a freeway, or an interstate, and may be used in both urban and rural areas.

• We're driving on the highway to get to the countryside.
• He took a job out of town and now commutes on the highway.

Specifically refers to a toll road in certain parts of the United States, particularly in New York. Generally used less frequently than the other terms.

• Take the New York State Thruway to avoid local roads.
• We paid the toll on the thruway.