Subway: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in American English to refer to an underground urban rail system.

• I take the subway to work every day.
• The New York City subway is one of the oldest in the world.

Widely used internationally and in some parts of the US to describe large urban underground rail systems.

• The Paris Metro is known for its efficiency.
• Do you know which metro line goes to the museum?

Used specifically in British English, particularly in reference to the London underground rail system.

• I need to catch the Tube to get to King's Cross.
• The Tube is very crowded during rush hour.

Used primarily in British English to describe subway systems as a whole, not just in London.

• She prefers taking the underground to avoid traffic.
• Is there an underground station nearby?

A fast-food restaurant chain known for its submarine sandwiches and salads, commonly found in the United States and many other countries.

• Let's grab lunch at Subway.
• Subway has a variety of fresh sandwich options.

A more general term for any establishment that primarily sells sandwiches of various types. Can range from simple delis to specialized artisan sandwich shops.

• There's a new sandwich shop that opened around the corner.
• They serve delicious paninis at the sandwich shop.

A small shop or a section within a larger store that specializes in prepared food like sandwiches, salads, and cold cuts. Often offers a more homemade feel and may include local specialties.

• I picked up a roast beef sandwich from the deli.
• The deli has the best pastrami on rye.

A specific type of sandwich shop that specializes in hoagies, which are sandwiches made with a long roll split lengthwise. Commonly found in the Northeastern United States, particularly in Pennsylvania.

• I love getting hoagies from that shop on Market Street.
• The hoagie shop down the road makes amazing Italian subs.