What does "highway" mean?

1. (major road) a main public road, often with several lanes, used for traveling long distances at high speeds. 2. (legal public road) any public road that people have a right to use. 3. (a path to a result) a direct way or path to a specific result or destiny.

How do you use "highway"?

In North America, 'highway' is the general term for major roads; in British English, 'motorway' or 'A-road' is more common. In legal English, 'highway' is a broad term that can include any path the public is entitled to use.

highway

US //ˈhaɪˌweɪ// UK //hˈaɪweɪ// high·way

1 major road (n.)
B1 Intermediate American English

a main public road, often with several lanes, used for traveling long distances at high speeds.

a principal public thoroughfare, especially one designed for high-speed, multi-lane traffic between cities.

Example

We took the highway to get to the city faster than the local roads allowed.

Example

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.

Teacher's 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.
- backroad
- lane
- byway
2 legal public road (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

any public road that people have a right to use.

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.

Example

The law says that no one can block a public highway.

Example

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.
- thoroughfare
- right of way
- private road

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 a path to a result (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

a direct way or path to a specific result or destiny.

a metaphorical path or direct route leading to a particular state or outcome.

Example

Hard work and good luck were his highway to success.

Example

The diplomat warned that the current trade tensions could become a highway to a much larger international conflict.

Origin

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”).

Word family

Verbhijack
Nounhighway

Idioms2 entries