Word
expressway
Phoneticsex·press·way, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪksˈpɹɛsˌweɪ/
UK/ɛkspɹˈɛsweɪ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a wide road built for fast travel over long distances. It usually has several lanes and no traffic lights to slow you down.
n. a high-speed divided highway designed for through traffic, typically featuring grade-separated intersections and controlled access. Primarily used in North American and East Asian English varieties.
Examples
“The new expressway cuts the travel time to the city in half.”
“Heavy rain caused several minor accidents on the expressway, leading to a massive traffic jam during the morning commute.”
“Urban planners designed the expressway to bypass the congested city center, though the project faced criticism for dividing established residential neighborhoods and increasing local noise pollution.”
Examples
simple
“The new expressway cuts the travel time to the city in half.”
contextual
“Heavy rain caused several minor accidents on the expressway, leading to a massive traffic jam during the morning commute.”
complex
“Urban planners designed the expressway to bypass the congested city center, though the project faced criticism for dividing established residential neighborhoods and increasing local noise pollution.”
Usage
Commonly used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia; equivalent to 'motorway' in British English.
Etymology
From express + way.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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