English Reference
noun · adjective

getaway

n. · adj.
US /ˈɡɛtəˌweɪ/ UK /ɡˈɛtəwˌeɪ/ get·away UK spelling getaways

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a short trip or holiday, often to a quiet or relaxing place.

    n.a brief vacation or recreational trip, typically taken to escape a routine or stressful environment.

    Simple

    We are planning a quick weekend getaway to the mountains to see the snow.

    In context

    The coastal cottage serves as the perfect weekend getaway for city dwellers seeking a reprieve from the relentless pace of urban life.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of escaping from a place, especially after committing a crime.

    n.the act of escaping or departing rapidly, particularly from a scene of a crime or a restrictive situation.

    Simple

    The bank robbers made a clean getaway before the police arrived.

    In context

    Despite the heavy security presence at the perimeter, the prisoners managed a daring getaway under the cover of a heavy midnight fog.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing something used to help someone escape, like a car.

    adj.pertaining to or used in an escape; almost exclusively used as an attributive adjective modifying nouns like 'car', 'driver', or 'vehicle'.

    Simple

    The thieves left their getaway car in a dark alley two miles from the store.

    In context

    Witnesses reported seeing a silver sedan acting as the getaway vehicle, though the license plate had been obscured by mud.

    Usage

    Always used before a noun.


Deverbal from get away.

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

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated