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subway

n. · v.
US //ˈsəbˌweɪ// UK //sˈʌbweɪ// sub·way
  1. 1 pedestrian tunnel (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    a tunnel that allows people to walk safely under a busy road or railway.

    a grade-separated subterranean passage provided for the exclusive use of pedestrians.

    Example

    We used the subway to cross the busy highway safely.

    Example

    The city council decided to renovate the pedestrian subway after several residents complained about the poor lighting and damp conditions.

    Usage

    In American English, this is almost exclusively called a 'pedestrian underpass'.
  2. 2 to travel by underground train (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Informal

    to travel using an underground train system.

    to commute or travel via an underground railway system. Intransitive use.

    Example

    I usually subway to work because parking in the city is too expensive.

    Example

    Rather than braving the gridlock of midtown traffic, they decided to subway down to the gallery for the opening reception.

Origin

From sub- + way.

Word family

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