headway

noun

head·​way ˈhed-ˌwā 

1

a

: motion or rate of motion in a forward direction

b

: advance, progress

gradually making some headway on the project

2

: headroom (as under an arch) sufficient to allow passage

3

: the time interval between two vehicles traveling in the same direction on the same route

Synonyms of headway

• progress
• advance
• process
• advancement
• progression
• procession

Examples of headway in a Sentence

the ant was making little headway carrying a crumb that was about five times his size

Recent Examples on the Web

The nearly 200 firefighters working the Putah Fire will look to gain more headway this weekend. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026

The current Hi-Mount staff and principal Derick Jenkins appear to be making some headway in reviving the school culture. —Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 12 June 2026

Although statistics suggest that the city has made headway on homelessness, makeshift encampments and rows of rusting RVs remain commonplace. —ABC News, 9 June 2026

Pay attention to how fast Democratic Socialists of America candidates spouting collectivism are making headway. —Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing headway

• make headway

Rhymes for headway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

headway

noun

head·​way -ˌwā 

1

: motion forward

2

: progress entry 1 sense 2