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

While researchers have made tremendous headway in diagnosing the disease early and delaying symptom onset, a cure remains elusive, and a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease still has too many gaps. — Mike McRae 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

His forces are failing to make significant headway on the ground in Ukraine, and the United States is mired in its own draining stalemate with Iran. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

After months of slow progress and noncommittal MOUs, international oil companies are making tangible headway in Venezuela. — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The Renewable Challenge getty Solar and wind have challenged the status quo for two decades, making significant headway. — Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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