turnpike

noun

turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk 

1

a(1)

: a road (such as an expressway) for the use of which tolls are collected

(2)

: a road formerly maintained as a turnpike

b

: a main road

especially : a paved highway with a rounded surface

2

: tollgate

Synonyms of turnpike

• highway
• road
• freeway
• thoroughfare
• expressway
• street
• route
• roadway
• carriageway
• boulevard

Examples of turnpike in a Sentence

the turnpike was jammed with people heading south for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

The monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority came to stop as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers, turnpike superintendents and state legislators in the audience lofted their Red Solo cups in a toast. —Brandy McDonnell, Oklahoman, 3 Mar. 2026

The law is enforced on sections of I-4, I-75, I-95, and the turnpike. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026

Both turnpikes are currently classified as state highways, said Darian Butler, OTA engineering director. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 4 Feb. 2026

Beyond the Luddites, rioters destroyed threshing machines in 1830, Welsh protesters tore down turnpike tollgates in the 1840s. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turnepike revolving frame bearing spikes and serving as a barrier, from turnen to turn + pike

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for turnpike

• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike
• dreamlike
• friedreich
• godlike
• hairlike

Kids Definition

turnpike

noun

turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk 

1

: a road one must pay to use

2

: a main road

Etymology

Middle English turnepike "a turning frame bearing spikes that is used as a barrier," from turnen "to turn" and pike "a pointed weapon"

Word Origin

In the Middle Ages, a spiked barrier would sometimes be placed on a road or bridge to protect against sudden attack. The barrier would have to be turned to allow passage. The Middle English word for such a barrier was turnepike. This word was formed from the verb turnen, meaning "to turn," and the noun pike, meaning "a sharp-tipped weapon." With a slight change in spelling, turnpike later came to be used as the word for a simple gate placed across a road. In order to pass through the turnpike, travelers would have to pay a fee or toll. A road on which these tollgates were found was called a turnpike road. Such a road in time became known simply as a turnpike.