highway
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaɪweɪ/
US
- /ˈhaɪˌweɪ/
Description
- main road
- major route
- fast road
A highway is a major public road used for traveling quickly between towns, cities, or other places that are far apart. It is usually wider and faster than a local street, and it often has several lanes, clear signs, exits, and long stretches with few stops. People use it for daily travel, road trips, and moving goods by truck.
The word can also be used in a figurative way. If someone says a person is "on the highway to success," they mean that person is moving forward quickly and clearly toward a goal.
The word "highway" refers to a major public road, usually one that connects cities, towns, or important areas. It is built to carry traffic over longer distances more easily than ordinary streets. A highway may have multiple lanes, divided directions, entry and exit ramps, speed limits made for faster travel, and space for many cars and trucks. For example, you might say, "We drove on the highway for three hours," or "The highway was closed because of an accident."
In everyday English, "highway" often refers to any main road used for longer travel, though the exact type can vary by country. In some places, it can mean a very large fast road with limited access, while in others it can also include important public roads that pass through smaller towns or open countryside.
"Highway" is also sometimes used in a figurative way to describe a direct path to something. If someone says, "She is on the highway to success," they mean she is moving quickly toward success. In the same way, a sentence like "Education can be a highway to opportunity" uses the word to suggest a strong and clear path forward.
Overall, "highway" brings to mind long-distance travel, movement, connection, and the main roads that help people and goods get from one place to another.
Examples
- 1
Driving route
We got on the highway as soon as we left the city.
- 2
Rush hour
Traffic on the highway was heavy after work.
- 3
Roadside business
There’s a good diner just off the highway.
Phrase
just off the highway
very close to it, after taking an exit
- 4
Crash closure
Police closed the highway for two hours after the crash.
- 5
Home location
Their house is right beside the highway, so it gets noisy at night.
- 6
Unfair price
Charging that much for parking is highway robbery.
Phrase
highway robbery
a price that feels extremely unfair
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- highwaynoun
Forms
- highwayspluralnoun