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

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

Stroud was later arrested by officers at London Bridge railway station.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

When city authorities dismantled an encampment along the side of a railway line last month, he couldn't find housing for everyone.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

In the railway age, a productivity boom and an investment bubble led to falling prices—and panicked bankers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

The center of her mind was filled with the image of the great, white clock at the railway station, on which the hands did not cease to move.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• line
• rail line
• track