highway

noun

high·​way ˈhī-ˌwā How to pronounce highway (audio)
Synonyms of highwaynext
: a public way
especially : a main direct road

Examples of highway in a Sentence

I had heard there was a traffic jam on the highway, so I took the side roads. the four-lane highway narrows to two lanes once you leave the city
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.
Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency. Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025 The highway safety and motor vehicle agencu includes Move Over Law education in the Florida Driver Handbook and even tests new drivers on the law during the licensing exam. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 27 Dec. 2025 In Myanmar’s commercial hub Yangon, national flags lined the main highway into town and electronic billboards broadcast state media coverage of the vote, set to be held in three stages into January, with the first day of voting on Sunday. Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025 Officials urge drivers to stay home if possible and allow road crews time to clear and treat highways. Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for highway

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of highway was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Highway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highway. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

highway

noun
high·​way ˈhī-ˌwā How to pronounce highway (audio)
: a public road
especially : a main direct road

More from Merriam-Webster on highway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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