A2noun2K

Railway

UK /["/ˈreɪlweɪ/"]/US /["/ˈreɪlweɪ/"]/

Definition

a track with rails on which trains run

In simple words: A system of tracks for trains to travel on.

Examples

  • The railway connects the two cities and makes travel easier.
  • He works on the railway, maintaining the tracks and trains.
  • In the countryside, the railway runs through beautiful landscapes.
  • Many tourists take the railway to enjoy the scenic views.
  • The railway station was busy with travelers and their luggage.

Usage notes

Typically used in discussions about transportation or travel. Avoid in casual conversation when referring to different kinds of public transportation, like buses.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'rail' as a straight line and a 'way' as a path – the way trains travel on tracks.

Collocations

  • mainline
  • high-speed
  • disused
  • manage
  • operate
  • run
  • run
  • carry something
  • car
  • carriage
  • coach
  • on a/​the railway
  • railway between
  • railway from
  • mainline
  • high-speed
  • disused
  • manage
  • operate
  • run
  • run
  • carry something
  • car
  • carriage
  • coach
  • on a/​the railway
  • railway between
  • railway from

Synonyms

  • train line
  • railroad
  • track
  • train system

Antonyms

  • highway
  • road
  • airway

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'railroad' — they are similar but can refer to different systems.
  • Using 'railway' in a context that only refers to subways or underground trains.
  • Pluralizing incorrectly as 'railways' when referring to the system in general.