Thruway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thruway

[ˈθruːˌweɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

highway

A thruway is a type of highway that is designed for high-speed traffic, typically with few exits and tolls. Thruways are often used for long-distance travel and are known for their efficiency in getting motorists to their destinations quickly.

Synonyms

expressway, freeway, turnpike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thruway	Used mainly in the northeastern United States to describe a major highway designed for long-distance travel. We took the thruway to reach New York much faster. The thruway was clear, so we arrived earlier than expected.
expressway	A wide road designed for fast traffic, often found in urban areas. The city has built a new expressway to reduce congestion. They merged onto the expressway to bypass the downtown traffic.
turnpike	A high-speed highway, generally a toll road, prevalent in the northeastern United States. They paid the toll to use the turnpike. The turnpike was surprisingly busy for a weekend.
freeway	Commonly used in the United States to describe a multi-lane highway with no intersections or traffic lights. Take the freeway to avoid the stop-and-go traffic on surface streets. A major accident on the freeway caused a huge delay.

Examples of usage

Take the thruway to get to the city faster.
We decided to avoid the local roads and take the thruway instead.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

toll road

In some regions, a thruway is specifically a toll road where drivers must pay a fee to use the road. These toll roads are maintained through the revenue collected from motorists and are often well-maintained and offer services such as rest areas and gas stations.

Synonyms

toll highway, toll road, tollway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thruway	Commonly used in American English, especially in the northeastern states, to refer to high-speed, multi-lane highways designed for long-distance travel. We took the thruway to get to New York City faster. The thruway was surprisingly clear of traffic today.
tollway	Common term in American English, similar to 'toll road', and can be used interchangeably to describe any road that requires a toll. It's more frequently used in some regions than others. I prefer using the tollway because it's usually faster. We need to have some cash ready for the tollway fees.
toll road	Refers to any road that requires payment of a toll to drive on, can be a highway or a smaller road. It's a general term. We took the toll road to avoid city traffic. The toll road had fewer cars, so we got there quickly.
toll highway	Used to refer to a type of road where drivers must pay a fee (toll) to use it; usually high-capacity and long-distance highways. We had to stop at several booths to pay the tolls on the toll highway. Driving on the toll highway can be costly but it saves me time.

Examples of usage

We had to pay a toll to drive on the thruway.
The thruway was much faster than the alternative route.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Transportation

Thruways are often part of larger interstate systems, designed for long-distance travel.
Many thruways have tolls to fund maintenance and improvements, helping keep them in good condition for drivers.

Cultural Significance

In American culture, thruways symbolize freedom and adventure, connecting vast landscapes and cities.
They play a vital role in road trips, a popular American pastime, contributing to the sense of exploration.

Safety Features

Thruways are designed with features like emergency lanes and signage to ensure vehicles can travel safely at high speeds.
They often have dedicated rest areas for drivers to take breaks, promoting safer travel habits.

Urban Development

Thruways have shaped urban development patterns, influencing where businesses and homes are built.
Their construction often leads to economic growth in areas they connect, as accessibility improves for commuters.

Origin of 'thruway'

Main points about word origin

The term 'thruway' is a modern spelling variation of 'throughway', emphasizing ease and speed.
It became popular in the mid-20th century, as highway systems expanded in the United States.

The term 'thruway' originated in the United States in the mid-20th century as a way to describe high-speed highways with limited access and tolls. It was first used by the New York State Thruway Authority when they opened the first segment of what would become the New York State Thruway in 1954. The concept of a thruway spread to other states and countries, becoming a common term for expressways designed for efficient long-distance travel.