turnpike

American  

[turn-pahyk] / ˈtɜrnˌpaɪk /

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.

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turnpike British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of turnpike

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

Example Sentences

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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.

From National Geographic

According to troopers, Davis lost control of his Tesla sedan and it collided with the parked pickup truck on the side of the turnpike.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• expressway
• freeway
• interstate
• roadway
• state highway
• superhighway