# turnpike

/ˈtɝnˌpaɪk/ (US) · /tˈɜːnpaɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/turnpike
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a large road that you must pay a fee to drive on. These roads are usually built for faster travel between cities.

For teachers: a high-speed highway, especially one maintained by tolls. Historically, the term referred to a barrier or gate across a road that prevented passage until a fee was paid.

## Examples

- We took the turnpike to reach the city faster.
- The state government increased the toll on the turnpike to fund the construction of new bridges.
- While the turnpike offers a more direct route for commercial freight, many local commuters prefer the scenic backroads to avoid the daily expense of highway fees.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in American English; in British English, 'motorway' or 'toll road' is more common.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.