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

Despite a decade of growing awareness, headway has been hindered by three primary barriers, according to Fulfer, who sees progress systemically stymied by a fundamental lack of data sharing from brands reluctant to release proprietary information on their materials and processes. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

As the seconds ticked down in the second period, the Edmonton Oilers’ top line couldn’t make any headway to regain control of the puck from the Columbus Blue Jackets. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

Johnston will make an effort to accomplish those goals, while making as much headway as possible on the Vibrant Denver bond projects, before the city votes on whether to retain him as mayor for another term in spring 2027. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025

Even so, the company has made little headway. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

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
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

headway

noun

head·​way -ˌwā 

1

: motion forward

2

: progress entry 1 sense 2