railway

noun

rail·​way ˈrāl-ˌwā How to pronounce railway (audio)
Synonyms of railwaynext
: railroad
especially : a railroad operating with light equipment or within a small area

Examples of railway in a Sentence

a system of railways that crisscrosses the whole nation
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.
Since then, Chinese companies have signed agreements to develop a titanium mine and a lithium deposit, as well as to construct a new railway and deep-water port. Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025 Stakeholders anticipate that the railway will create thousands of jobs, stimulate trade and tourism, and further connect the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, supporting ongoing economic diversification efforts. Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 Monisha Rajesh is a British journalist and author who writes about railways for the Financial Times, National Geographic Traveller UK, Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure among others. Monisha Rajesh, Outside, 9 Dec. 2025 On the final day, travelers can enjoy a leisurely free day in Interlaken to explore the town, cozy up in cafes with fondue and other seasonal delights, or try out more of the over 45 aerial gondolas and mountain railways around the region. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for railway

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of railway was in 1681

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Railway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/railway. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

railway

noun
rail·​way ˈrā(ə)l-ˌwā How to pronounce railway (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on railway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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