Railway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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railway

[ˈreɪlweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

transportation

A railway is a set of tracks with trains running on them, used for transporting passengers or goods. Railways are a common mode of transportation in many countries.

Synonyms

rail line, railroad, train tracks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
railway	Commonly used in British English to refer to the system of tracks, stations, and trains used for transportation. The new railway line will reduce travel time between the two cities. He works for the national railway company.
railroad	Commonly used in American English to describe the system of tracks and trains, often evokes a sense of larger networks and infrastructure. The railroad company announced a new schedule for the summer. The town grew quickly after the railroad was built.
train tracks	Refers to the physical metal tracks that the train travels on, emphasizes the infrastructure rather than the system. The children placed a penny on the train tracks to see what would happen. Maintenance workers inspected the train tracks for any damage.
rail line	Refers specifically to the set of tracks that a train travels on, often highlighting a particular route or section. The construction of the new rail line is expected to be completed next year. This rail line connects the downtown area with the suburbs.

Examples of usage

The railway system in Japan is known for its efficiency and punctuality.
I prefer to travel by railway rather than by car for long distances.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

location

A railway can also refer to the actual physical structure of tracks, including stations, platforms, and signals.

Synonyms

rail line, railroad system, train network.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
railway	Commonly used in British English to refer to the tracks and the system used by trains. The new high-speed railway will connect major cities
railroad system	Commonly used in American English, referring to the entire network of train routes, including tracks, stations, and related infrastructure. The country's railroad system is crucial for transporting goods
train network	Broader term that includes all the interconnected rail lines and services offered by trains within a certain area or country. The city's train network is very efficient and easy to navigate
rail line	Refers specifically to a single route or track that trains travel on. The rail line between London and Edinburgh is very busy

Examples of usage

The railway was busy with commuters rushing to catch their trains.
The old railway station has been converted into a museum.

Translations

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

Origin of 'railway'

The word 'railway' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of 'rail' and 'way'. The concept of railways as a mode of transportation revolutionized travel and trade, allowing for faster and more efficient movement of people and goods over long distances. The development of railways played a significant role in the industrial revolution and continues to be a crucial part of modern transportation systems.

See also: derail, rail, railing, raillery, railroad, rails.