roadbed

[ rohd-bed ]

noun

1. Railroads.
   1. the bed or foundation structure for the track of a railroad.
   2. the layer of ballast immediately beneath the ties of a railroad track.
2. the material of which a road is composed.

roadbed

/ ˈrəʊdˌbɛd /

noun

1. the material used to make a road
2. a layer of ballast that supports the sleepers of a railway track

Word History and Origins

Origin of roadbed¹

1830–40. Americanism; road + bed

Example Sentences

Warming temperatures are accelerating the glacier’s movement downhill, carrying 300 feet of roadbed with it and jeopardizing continued access to some of the park’s key attractions.

From Washington Post

In that area, the dirt roadbed is cut into a shelf on the mountainside.

From Washington Post

The roadbed was wide enough to permit the meeting and passing of the largest wagons without trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

The brief storm had been a severe one, and in one spot the roadbed was considerably washed out.

From Project Gutenberg

Though of narrow gauge the roadbed was laid for standard gauge, and this change can be made at any time.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, walking was not easy for the roadbed bore a shell of treacherous ice.

From Project Gutenberg

The gap through the mountains looked familiar as I spied it from the distance, but the roadbed to the right I had forgotten.

From Project Gutenberg