subway

noun

sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā 

: 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

: underpass

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

The building is walking distance to two subway lines and major employment centers, and offers free top-notch amenities to all residents, including a fitness center, outdoor spaces, golf simulators, and more. —Alicia Glen, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

With white walls, a dark subway-tile floor, and just a light smattering of furniture, the cavernous space feels a tinge stark. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

There isn’t always a clear answer about when a child is ready to handle mature responsibilities, like riding the subway alone. —Amy Morin, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026

The short film shows the singer walking through New York City in real time, playing his songs on subway cars and various spots around the city, and leaving a trail of stunned fans in his wake. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing subway

• subway train

Rhymes for subway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

subway

noun

sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā 

1

: an underground passage

2

: a usually electric underground railway