B2noun2K

Highway

UK /["/ˈhaɪweɪ/"]/US /["/ˈhaɪweɪ/"]/

Definition

a main road for travelling long distances, especially one connecting and going through cities and towns

In simple words: A major road that connects cities and towns.

Examples

  • The highway was congested with traffic during the rush hour.
  • We took the scenic route instead of the main highway.
  • Driving on the highway at night can be challenging due to poor visibility.
  • He lives near the highway, which makes commuting easy.
  • Construction on the highway will last for several months.

Usage notes

Commonly used in driving contexts. More formal than 'road'. Not used to refer to local streets.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'high' road that lets you 'way' travel far.

Collocations

  • wide
  • three-lane
  • two-lane
  • drive
  • travel
  • use
  • traffic
  • bridge
  • exit
  • along the highway
  • down the highway
  • up the highway
  • highways and byways
  • wide
  • three-lane
  • two-lane
  • drive
  • travel
  • use
  • traffic
  • bridge
  • exit
  • along the highway
  • down the highway
  • up the highway
  • highways and byways

Synonyms

  • motorway
  • expressway
  • freeway
  • thoroughfare

Antonyms

  • back road
  • side street

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'byway', which refers to smaller roads.
  • Using 'highway' to describe any road, including residential ones.
  • Mispronouncing the word as 'hi-way'.