turnpike

[turn-pahyk]

noun

1. a high-speed highway, especially one maintained by tolls.

2. (formerly) a barrier set across such a highway to stop passage until a toll has been paid; tollgate.

turnpike

/ ˈtɜːnˌpaɪk /

noun

1. 1. gates or some other barrier set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid

   2. a road on which a turnpike was operated

2. an obsolete word for turnstile

3. a motorway for use of which a toll is charged

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnpike¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English turnepike “road barrier” ( turnpike in def. 1, short for turnpike road ). See turn, pike ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnpike¹

C15: from _turn + _pike ²

Example Sentences

Internal improvements, like roads and turnpikes, received investment to control the vast territory beyond the coasts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Roger Hargreaves, director of Glossop Heritage Trust, said it was built as a turnpike - or toll road - to connect Sheffield with Manchester.

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"He was driving along the New Jersey turnpike when it came on his car radio," said Love.

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On a deserted service road not far from the Florida turnpike, Toole strangled Adam to death with the seatbelt, then decapitated him with a machete.

Read more on Salon

The bugs are still so plentiful, the trained eye can spot them clinging to the trunks of tree of heaven while driving on the turnpike.

Read more on National Geographic

Related Words

• expressway 
• freeway 
• interstate 
• roadway 
• state highway www.thesaurus.com
• superhighway