subway

noun

sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā How to pronounce subway (audio)
: an underground way: such as
a
: a passage under a street (as for pedestrians, power cables, or water or gas mains)
b
: a usually electric underground railway
c
subway intransitive verb

Examples of subway in a Sentence

I took the subway to midtown. No one on the subway seemed to mind how crowded it was. I've been on both the New York subway and the Underground in London.
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.
His platform also includes implementing a Department of Community Safety with outreach workers in subway stations, contrasting with Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul's police partnership. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Expansive museums, peaceful parks, a robust subway system, and a world-famous culinary scene: Tokyo truly has it all. John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 In the first six months of 2025, more than 2,200 crimes have taken place in the Windy City's subway system, per city police data. Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 July 2025 The incident took place at the Norwood Avenue subway station at 9 a.m. Marshall was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, as well as third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subway

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subway was in 1822

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subway. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subway

noun
sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā How to pronounce subway (audio)
1
: an underground passage
2
: a usually electric underground railway

More from Merriam-Webster on subway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!