rapid transit

noun

: fast passenger transportation (as by subway) in urban areas

Examples of rapid transit in a Sentence

We'll use rapid transit to get from the airport to the hotel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Silver Line is a bus rapid transit system operating in dedicated tunnels. Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 The law forces cities to approve taller apartment and condominium complexes around rail stops, ferry terminals and rapid transit bus stops, overriding local restrictions that might have stopped development in the past. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 Bus rapid transit comes in different flavors, but at its core it’s designed to make buses run like trains. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 For many years, these were the only stops on the short rapid transit line. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid transit

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid transit was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid transit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20transit. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

rapid transit

noun
: fast public passenger transportation (as by subway) in cities

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