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Highway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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highway

[ˈhaɪˌweɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A main road, especially one connecting major cities

Synonyms

expressway, freeway, motorway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highway

Use this term for a major public road connecting cities and towns, often inclusive of smaller roads. It is a general term and can apply to different types of major roads.

  • We took the highway to reach the other town.
  • There was a lot of traffic on the highway today.
freeway

Commonly used in the United States, it describes a major road designed for high-speed traffic with no tolls, no traffic lights, and often no intersections.

  • We drove on the freeway to avoid city traffic.
  • The accident on the freeway caused a major delay.
expressway

A road designed for faster traffic, usually with limited access and multiple lanes. It often has tolls and is used for efficient long-distance travel.

  • The expressway was clear, so we reached our destination quickly.
  • You need to pay a toll to travel on the expressway.
motorway

Used mainly in the UK and some other countries, this term refers to a high-speed road designed for long-distance traffic, similar to a freeway but can include tolls in some regions.

  • We took the motorway to get to London.
  • The motorway was congested with vehicles during rush hour.

Examples of usage

  • We took the highway to get to the next town.
  • The highway was congested with traffic during rush hour.
Context #2 | Noun

music

An easy-to-follow musical passage to connect two sections of a composition

Synonyms

bridge, passage, transition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highway

A major public road that connects cities or regions. It's often used for long-distance travel by vehicles and can have multiple lanes going in each direction.

  • We took the highway to get to the beach.
  • The highway was packed with cars during rush hour.
bridge

A structure built over an obstacle like a river, valley, or road to provide a passage for vehicles, pedestrians, or trains.

  • The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist attraction.
  • We had to cross the bridge to reach the other side of the river.
passage

A narrow way or corridor that connects different areas. It can be used in urban and architectural contexts, as well as in literature to describe a part of a text.

  • The secret passage led them to an ancient chamber.
  • Please read the passage from the book and discuss its meaning.
transition

A process or period of changing from one state or condition to another. Often used in the context of life changes, phases of projects, or shifts in roles or environments.

  • The transition from summer to autumn is always beautiful.
  • She is making a transition into a new career.

Examples of usage

  • The guitarist played a beautiful highway between the chorus and the verse.
  • The highway added a smooth transition in the song.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Infrastructure

  • In many countries, highways are designed to reduce traffic congestion and allow for efficient transportation.
  • The U.S. Interstate Highway System, established in 1956, dramatically reshaped travel and commerce in the country.
  • Modern highways often include features such as multiple lanes, express toll lanes, and rest areas to enhance safety and convenience.

Cultural Impact

  • Highways are often depicted in movies and songs as symbols of freedom and adventure, representing the open road.
  • The concept of road trips gained popularity in the mid-20th century, changing how families vacationed and traveled.
  • Certain highways, like Route 66 in the U.S., have become iconic landmarks and part of national cultural heritage.

Safety and Regulations

  • Speed limits on highways are crucial for safety, helping to manage how fast vehicles can go.
  • Traffic laws, such as the requirement to signal lane changes, are enforced on highways to prevent accidents.
  • Many highways have designated emergency lanes to provide safety for vehicles that break down.

Environmental Considerations

  • Highway construction can impact local ecosystems, prompting environmental assessments before development.
  • Some highways now incorporate 'green' designs, such as wildlife corridors to protect animals.
  • Efforts to reduce emissions from vehicles on highways are leading to the promotion of electric vehicles and improved public transportation.

Origin of 'highway'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'highweg,' meaning a road of high status for travel.
  • In earlier times, a 'highway' was often a road that was important for trade and transportation.
  • The term has evolved; originally, any well-traveled road could be called a highway, not just major ones.

The term 'highway' originated in the 15th century to refer to a public road, especially a main road connecting cities or towns. It comes from the Middle English 'highwey', which combines 'high' and 'way', indicating a well-traveled path or route. Over time, highways have become essential for transportation and commerce, facilitating the movement of people and goods across long distances.

See also: high, highbrow, higher, highest, highland, highly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,609, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.