Definitions
01major road
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. a main public road, often with several lanes, used for traveling long distances at high speeds.
n. a principal public thoroughfare, especially one designed for high-speed, multi-lane traffic between cities.
“We took the highway to get to the city faster than the local roads allowed.”
“The state government allocated significant funding to expand the highway, aiming to reduce the chronic congestion experienced by daily commuters.”
Usage
In North America, 'highway' is the general term for major roads; in British English, 'motorway' or 'A-road' is more common.
Teaching tip
While 'highway' is understood globally, it is the standard term in American English. In British English, it is often used in a formal or legal context rather than everyday conversation.
Synonyms
02legal public road
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. any public road that people have a right to use.
n. any public way or road which the public has a right to use for passage. Often used in a legal context to include pavements and footpaths.
“The law says that no one can block a public highway.”
“The defendant was charged with obstructing the highway after placing a permanent structure on the communal footpath.”
Usage
In legal English, 'highway' is a broad term that can include any path the public is entitled to use.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a path to a result
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary
n. a direct way or path to a specific result or destiny.
n. a metaphorical path or direct route leading to a particular state or outcome.
“Hard work and good luck were his highway to success.”
“The diplomat warned that the current trade tensions could become a highway to a much larger international conflict.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “highway” in context.
Verb
01. block the highway
“A multi-car accident blocked the highway for several hours this morning.”
verb + noun
02. drive on the highway
“New drivers are often nervous when they first drive on the highway at high speeds.”
verb + prep + noun
03. exit the highway
“We need to exit the highway at the next junction to find a gas station.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. congested highway
“Commuters often spend hours stuck on the congested highway during rush hour.”
adj + noun
05. major highway
“The city is connected to the coast by a major highway.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. highway exit
“Make sure you don't miss the highway exit for the airport.”
noun + noun
07. highway patrol
“The highway patrol is responsible for enforcing traffic laws on the interstate.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. along the highway
“There are several rest stops located along the highway for weary travelers.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“On Friday, the speed limit on the entire length of the highway increased from 100 km/h to 110 km/h, north to Lake Joseph Rd.” “The crash happened early on Wednesday local time on the BR-373 highway in the southern state of Paraná.” Etymology
From Middle English heiȝwai, heiȝwei, from Old English hēahweġ (“main road, highway”), corresponding to high + way. Compare highgate, high street, high road. Cognate with Scots heaway, heway, hieway, hichway, heichway (“highway”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. highway robbery
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/highway
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0