Highway: meaning, definitions and examples

🛣️

Add to dictionary

highway

[ˈhaɪˌweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

transportation

A main road, especially one connecting major cities

Synonyms

expressway, freeway, motorway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "highway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autoestrada

🇮🇳 राजमार्ग (raajmaargh)

🇩🇪 Autobahn

🇮🇩 jalan raya

🇺🇦 шосе

🇵🇱 autostrada

🇯🇵 高速道路 (kōsokudōro)

🇫🇷 autoroute

🇪🇸 autopista

🇹🇷 otoyol

🇰🇷 고속도로 (gosokdoro)

🇸🇦 طريق سريع (tareeq saree)

🇨🇿 dálnice

🇸🇰 diaľnica

🇨🇳 高速公路 (gāosù gōnglù)

🇸🇮 avtocesta

🇮🇸 hraðbraut

🇰🇿 автомагистраль

🇬🇪 ავტომაგისტრალი (avtomagistrali)

🇦🇿 avtomagistral

🇲🇽 autopista

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.

...
2606 savings
2607 strategies
2608 completion
2609 highway
2610 customer
2611 dust
2612 song
...