road

American  

[rohd] / roʊd /

noun

1. a long, narrow stretch with a smoothed or paved surface, made for traveling by motor vehicle, carriage, etc., between two or more points; street or highway.

2. a way or course.

   the road to peace.

3. a railroad.

4. Also called roadstead.  Nautical.  Often roads a partly sheltered area of water near a shore in which vessels may ride at anchor.

5. Mining.  any tunnel in a mine used for hauling.

6. the road, the places, usually outside of New York City, at which theatrical companies on tour generally give performances.

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idioms

1. on the road,

   1. traveling, especially as a sales representative.

   2. on tour, as a theatrical company.

      The musical ends its New York run next week to go on the road.

   3. started; under way.

      We need funds to get the project on the road.

2. take to the road,  to begin a journey or tour. Also take the road.

3. take the high road.  take the high road.

4. hit the road,  to begin or resume traveling.

   We hit the road before sunrise.

5. down the road,  in the future.

   Economists see higher interest rates down the road.

6. one for the road,  a final alcoholic drink taken just before departing from a party, tavern, or the like.

7. burn up the road,  to drive or move very fast.

road British  

/ rəʊd /

noun

1. 1. an open way, usually surfaced with asphalt or concrete, providing passage from one place to another

   2. ( as modifier )

      road traffic

      a road map

      a road sign

   3. ( in combination )

      the roadside

2. 1. a street

   2. ( capital when part of a name )

      London Road

3. 1. short for railroad

   2. one of the tracks of a railway

4. a way, path, or course

   the road to fame

5. Also called: roadstead.  (often plural) nautical a partly sheltered anchorage

6. a drift or tunnel in a mine, esp a level one

7. slang  to start or resume travelling

8. 1. travelling, esp as a salesman

   2. (of a theatre company, pop group, etc) on tour

   3. leading a wandering life

9. to begin a journey or tour

10. informal  a last alcoholic drink before leaving

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road More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing road

• all roads lead to Rome
• down the line (road)
• end of the line (road)
• get the show on the road
• hit the road
• on the road
• one for the road

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Other Word Forms

• interroad adjective
• roadless adjective
• roadlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of road

First recorded before 900; Middle English rode, earlier rade, Old English rād “a riding, journey on horseback,” akin to rīdan “to ride ”

Example Sentences

The couple was traveling in a pickup truck with their three small children when, at one point, the actor exited the vehicle and started walking on the road.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, McLaren devised what it called the Papaya Rules: Norris and Piastri were free to race each other and the road would decide which one would win his first F1 championship.

From The Wall Street Journal

The funnier part is when I have to call someone to look at the road because it is eroding or something, and then they show up and start laughing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible, driving conditions could be difficult and there may be some road closures.

From BBC

They have valid licenses and work papers, but are afraid to go back on the road, worried that if they get stopped, they could get sent home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artery
• avenue
• boulevard
• course
• drive
• expressway
• highway
• lane
• line
• parking lot
• pathway
• pavement
• roadway
• route
• street
• subway
• thoroughfare
• track
• trail
• way