English Reference
noun

freeway

n.
US /ˈfɹiˌweɪ/ UK /fɹˈiːweɪ/ free·way UK spelling freeways

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate American English

    a wide road designed for fast travel over long distances, with no traffic lights or stop signs.

    a divided highway with controlled access, designed for high-speed motor traffic with no level crossings.

    Simple

    We took the freeway to avoid the traffic lights in the city center.

    In context

    The expansion of the freeway system significantly reduced commute times for residents living in the outer suburbs.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the Western United States; 'motorway' is the equivalent in British English.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'highway' is a general term for any main road, 'freeway' specifically implies a road with no intersections or tolls in many regions.


From free + way.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated