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Turnpike Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turnpike

[ˈtərnˌpaɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

roadway toll

A turnpike is a road that drivers must pay to use, usually through toll booths. Turnpikes are often faster and better maintained than regular roads, but the toll can be expensive.

Synonyms

toll highway, toll road, tollway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
turnpike

Duplicate entry, please refer to the first instance for context and examples.
toll road

A general term used globally, particularly in environments where multiple types of road systems are discussed.

  • Residents are upset about the new toll road
  • Taking the toll road can cut down on travel time
tollway

Primarily used in American English, often to describe a toll road or highway within a limited regional area.

  • We had to pay at every toll booth on the tollway
  • The tollway was under construction, which caused delays
toll highway

A more formal term that can be used in both American and British English, referring to any major highway where drivers must pay a fee.

  • The government plans to convert the old road into a toll highway
  • The toll highway was expensive, but it saved us a lot of time

Examples of usage

  • The turnpike was the quickest route to our destination.
  • We had to stop at the toll booth to pay for the turnpike.
  • The turnpike saved us a lot of time on our road trip.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

In the past, a turnpike referred to a barrier or gate set across a road to prevent passage until a toll was paid.

Synonyms

barrier gate, tollgate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
turnpike

Refers to a major highway, often requiring a toll for usage. Suitable for both formal and informal mentions of toll roads.

  • There's a new shopping center opening just off the turnpike.
  • We traveled along the turnpike and saw many beautiful landscapes.
tollgate

A physical point where drivers pay a fee to continue using a particular stretch of road, usually found on highways or bridges. This term emphasizes the fee-collecting aspect.

  • We had to stop at the tollgate to pay the fee before continuing on our journey.
  • The tollgate was crowded with cars waiting to pay their tolls.
barrier gate

A physical gate that blocks access to a restricted area, can be used for security or entry control. Commonly used in places like parking lots or private properties.

  • The barrier gate at the entrance of the facility ensures that only authorized vehicles can enter.
  • Please wait for the barrier gate to open before proceeding into the parking area.

Examples of usage

  • The old turnpike was a wooden barrier that travelers had to stop and pay to pass through.
  • The turnpike was a common sight on roads in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Transportation

  • Turnpikes were crucial in early American transport, connecting cities and facilitating trade, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Most turnpikes are designed with limited access points, allowing for faster travel compared to regular roads, reducing traffic jams.

Cultural Significance

  • Turnpikes have appeared in numerous movies and songs, often symbolizing the journey and the adventure of travel.
  • The concept of turnpikes has influenced modern highway systems, leading to extensive networks globally that prioritize efficiency.

Engineering

  • The construction of turnpikes often involves advanced engineering techniques, including bridges and tunnels, to navigate diverse landscapes.
  • Many turnpikes are equipped with electronic toll collection systems, allowing drivers to pay without stopping and improving traffic flow.

Economics

  • Turnpikes can significantly impact local economies by improving access to markets and reducing transportation costs for goods.
  • The tolls collected from turnpikes are often reinvested into road maintenance and improvements, ensuring safer travel for motorists.

Origin of 'turnpike'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'turnpike' originated in the 15th century, referring to a 'turning' gate that would block roads until a toll was paid.
  • In early America, many turnpikes were built by private companies that collected fees from travelers to help maintain the roads.

The term 'turnpike' originated in the 18th century in England and referred to a barrier or gate set across a road to prevent passage until a toll was paid. The concept of turnpikes evolved to include the roadways themselves, where tolls were collected for use. Turnpikes played a significant role in the development of transportation infrastructure, providing funding for road maintenance and expansion. Over time, the term has become synonymous with toll roads in various parts of the world, including the United States.

See also: downturn, overturn, turn, turnaround, turncoat, turner, turning, turnout, turnover, turntable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,087, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.