WordGarden.iosubway
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌbweɪ/
US
- /ˈsəbˌweɪ/
Meanings
Noun
an urban rapid-transit railway, especially underground, or a train on it
an underground pedestrian passage beneath a street or railway
Beyond the definition
The subway is a city train system that often runs under the streets. It is also called the metro or the underground, and in London people often say "the Tube." It is a fast way to move around a busy city without getting slowed down by traffic above ground.
You might take it to work, to visit friends, or to explore different parts of town. In British English, however, a subway often means a passage for people walking under a road. In everyday use, the city train meaning is the one most people know, especially in North America.
The term "subway" most often refers to an underground railway system used for local travel within a city. In North American English, this is the usual meaning. Similar systems may be called the "metro," the "underground," or, in London, "the Tube." The main idea is simple: trains carry people quickly through crowded urban areas, often below street level.
The history of this kind of system goes back to the 19th century. London's Metropolitan Railway, opened in 1863, is widely recognized as the world's first underground passenger railway. Since then, these systems have become a basic part of life in many major cities, including New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico City. They do more than move people from place to place; stations can become landmarks, meeting points, and lively public spaces.
Context matters, though. In British English, a "subway" usually means a pedestrian tunnel under a road rather than a train network. The word can also refer to a long sandwich, short for "submarine sandwich," especially in casual American English and brand names. Because of these different meanings, the surrounding words usually make it clear whether someone is talking about city transport, a walkway under a road, or food.
Examples
- 1
Downtown travel
We took the subway downtown because parking is expensive.
- 2
Directions
You can get to the museum by subway in about twenty minutes.
- Patternby subway
using the subway
- 3
Station location
Her office is right above a busy subway station.
- 4
Last ride
I left early so I wouldn't miss the last subway home.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Commute
He usually reads on the subway instead of driving to work.
See also
Similar
- metro
- underground
- rapid transit
Shades of meaning
- the tube
- underground railway
Contrast
- bus
- elevated train
Used with (collocations)
- subway station
- subway line
- subway train
- take the subway
Explore
- public transit
- fare
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- subwaynoun
Forms
- subwayspluralnoun