plural routes
1
a
: a way to get from one place to another place
We didn't know what route to take/follow.
an escape route in case of fire
a parade route
We took the scenic route. [=a way that is not the fastest way but that has beautiful scenery]
b
: a way that someone or something regularly travels along
a major bird migratory route
a bus/truck route
a mail route
(US) She has a paper route. [=(Brit) paper round; a job of delivering newspapers to the same places every day]
2
: a way of achieving or doing something
the route [=road] to success
You could take a different route and still arrive at the same conclusion.
I decided to go/take the traditional route [=do the traditional thing] and have a big wedding.
3
US
: a usually minor highway
Take Route 2 into town.
We live on a rural route.
routes; routed; routing
: to send (someone or something) along a particular route
Traffic was routed around the accident.
When the doctor is out, his calls are routed to his answering service.
Cite this Entry
“Route.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/route. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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