Highway
'haɪweɪ
Definitions
A main public road, especially one maintained by the state or federal government.
'haɪweɪ
A main road, especially one designed for fast or long-distance travel.
We drove for hours on the highway to reach the beach.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really big road, like the ones you drive on for long trips. Those are highways! They're built for cars to go fast and travel long distances.
👶 For kids: A highway is a big road that cars and trucks use to travel between places.
More Examples
The accident caused a major traffic jam on the highway.
The highway patrol was checking speed limits.
How It's Used
"The interstate highway connects several major cities."
"The highway follows the course of the river."
Idioms & expressions
Highway robbery
Excessive or unreasonable prices or charges.
"The hotel's prices were highway robbery; it cost way too much for the service."
hit the highway
To start a journey or leave a place.
"We're going to hit the highway early tomorrow morning."
From Middle English *heigh wey* (high way), referring to a raised or improved road. Originally, it described a main road, possibly elevated for better drainage and travel.
Historically, the term 'highway' referred to any public road maintained for general use, regardless of its surface or width. It has evolved to specifically denote the modern, high-capacity roads we know today.
Memory tip
Think of a *high*ly traveled *way*.