turnpike

noun

turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk How to pronounce turnpike (audio)
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

Examples of turnpike in a Sentence

the turnpike was jammed with people heading south for the long weekend
Recent Examples on the Web In Oklahoma, some of the machines are located along turnpikes, in casinos, on university campuses, at a library or outside fire stations. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 For decades, ticketing and business staffs worked at the stadium while football operations were up the turnpike in Davie. Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The department also noted that during the rescue, there were two other crashes on the southbound side of the turnpike due to distracted driving and people recording cell phone videos of the incident. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 28 Dec. 2023 There have been reports of Florida residents asking their car insurance companies to cover frozen iguana damage, US Postal Service employees have been greeted by alligator customers, and grazing cows have caused major turnpikes to close for a time. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 The northbound side of the turnpike was closed for several hours, according to authorities with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 23 Oct. 2023 Additional evacuations took place at nearby residential areas, including Sterling Ranches just west of the turnpike. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2022 Read full article At around 10:34 p.m., New Hampshire State Police responded to reports of a wrong-way driver causing a crash after traveling north in the southbound lanes of the turnpike, according to the statement. Collin Robisheaux, BostonGlobe.com, 25 June 2023 Eastbound lanes on the turnpike, which is also known as Interstate 90, were closed for a period. Maeve Lawler, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turnpike.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnpike was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near turnpike

Cite this Entry

“Turnpike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnpike. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

turnpike

noun
turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk How to pronounce turnpike (audio)
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.

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