# expressway

/ɪksˈpɹɛsˌweɪ/ (US) · /ɛkspɹˈɛsweɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expressway
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a wide road built for fast travel over long distances. It usually has several lanes and no traffic lights to slow you down.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Asia; equivalent to 'motorway' in British English.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.