railway

American  

[reyl-wey] / ˈreɪlˌweɪ /

noun

1. a rail line with lighter-weight equipment and roadbed than a main-line railroad.

2. a railroad, especially one operating over relatively short distances.

3. Also called trackway.  any line or lines of rails forming a road of flanged-wheel equipment.

4. Chiefly British. railroad.

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railway British  

/ ˈreɪlˌweɪ /

noun

1. a permanent track composed of a line of parallel metal rails fixed to sleepers, for transport of passengers and goods in trains

2. any track on which the wheels of a vehicle may run

   a cable railway

3. the entire equipment, rolling stock, buildings, property, and system of tracks used in such a transport system

4. the organization responsible for operating a railway network

5. (modifier) of, relating to, or used on a railway or railways

   a railway engine

   a railway strike

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prerailway
  adjective
• unrailwayed
  adjective
• interrailway
  adjective
• railwayless
  adjective
• railwayed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of railway

First recorded in 1770–80; rail ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

First they bought control of the two elevated railway companies operating in the city, but they were barred by the law from merging.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

While higher steel prices, trade protections, and growth in the railway business should support earnings, the stock looks fairly valued at current levels, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

"We remain against that black route as it was called, which was unnecessary," he said, adding that a "road-based solution" was still needed alongside new railway stations proposed between Cardiff and the Severn Tunnel.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Since the railway station canopy collapse in November 2024, which killed 16 people, calls for a transparent investigation into what happened have snowballed into a push for early polls.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

As the light faded from the thick sky, Hazel slipped once more across the hard, bare earth under the railway arch, came out on the north side and sat up to listen.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

• line
• rail line
• track