freeway

American  

[free-wey] / ˈfriˌweɪ /

noun

1. an express highway with no intersections, usually having traffic routed on and off by means of a cloverleaf.

2. a toll-free highway.

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freeway British  

/ ˈfriːˌweɪ /

noun

1. another name for expressway

2. a major road that can be used without paying a toll

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Etymology

Origin of freeway

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; free + way ¹

Compare meaning

How does freeway compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• freeway vs. highway

Explanation

A freeway is a busy, divided road with several lanes heading in both directions. The freeway is often to quickest way to get where you're going, unless there's a traffic jam or an accident slowing things down. People often use the terms freeway and highway interchangeably, and there's also parkway and expressway — or motorway, if you're in the UK. Traffic moves fast on the freeway, and its access is limited to exits that lead to and from smaller local roads and streets. There are no traffic signals on the freeway, but a crash or road work can sometimes bring traffic to a complete stop.

Related Words

• artery
• highway
• interstate
• road
• superhighway
• thoroughfare