Tollbooth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tollbooth
[ˈtoʊlˌbuːθ ]
Definition
road usage
A tollbooth is a structure used to collect tolls from drivers who wish to use a particular road or bridge. It typically features a gate, where vehicles must stop to pay the fee before they are allowed to continue. Tollbooths can be manned by attendants or operate automatically with machines that accept payment via cash or electronic methods. They are often located on highways, bridges, and tunnels, providing a source of revenue for maintaining the infrastructure.
Synonyms
road toll, toll gate, toll station.
Examples of usage
- Pay your toll at the booth.
- The tollbooth was crowded during rush hour.
- We stopped at the tollbooth to pay the fee.
Translations
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Origin of 'tollbooth'
The term 'tollbooth' has its origins in the combination of the word 'toll', which has been used since the Middle Ages, and 'booth', a term that refers to a temporary structure or small enclosure. The word 'toll' itself comes from the Old English 'toll', which means a payment or charge, and has connections to various Germanic languages. As the construction of roads and bridges evolved, so did the practice of charging fees for their usage, leading to the establishment of booths where travelers would stop to pay these fees. The modern tollbooth concept began to gain prominence in the 20th century as motor vehicle usage increased, creating the need for methods to fund the upkeep of highways and to manage traffic flow efficiently.