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way station

American  

noun

  1. a station intermediate between principal stations, as on a railroad.


Etymology

Origin of way station

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A similar lawsuit was filed earlier in June at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to halt US deportations to Equatorial Guinea, which has also served as a way station for African deportees.

From Barron's Jun. 30, 2026

After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021, Camp As Sayliyah was meant to serve as a safe way station for Afghans who worked with the U.S. and applied to come to the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 7, 2026

“So this won’t be a new normal. This will be a way station on the way to ever more intense systems unless we choose to dramatically decrease emissions.”

From Seattle Times Sep. 12, 2023

Many don’t want another way station, and the temporary housing often comes with a six-month time limit.

From New York Times Jul. 30, 2023

College for them was only a way station, a sort of youthful diversion.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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