byway

noun

by·​way ˈbī-ˌwā 

1

: a little traveled side road

2

: a secondary or little known aspect or field

… meandering more and more in the fascinating byways of learning.

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

Examples of byway in a Sentence

I prefer to take byways to town.

He's traveled the highways and byways of this country.

the byways of the art world

The book chronicles some of the interesting byways of legal history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Humboldt County officials have long debated what to do about Centerville Road, a narrow, twisting byway that leads to an eroding rural beach and a handful of homes. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Removing trees along highways can increase erosion from runoff, affect air quality and worsen noise pollution, according to Scenic America, a nonprofit that works to preserve scenic byways. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Trees blanket rolling hills, and quaint towns line the 88-mile byway. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 12 Sep. 2026

Other highways and byways followed pioneer trails, became the nation’s first transcontinental auto routes, or pushed the limits of engineering with groundbreaking bridges, mountain passes, and scenic stops. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for byway

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

Kids Definition

byway

noun

by·​way ˈbī-ˌwā 

: a little-traveled side road