freeway

free-way · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (chiefly North American) A major road with multiple lanes designed for fast traffic, with limited access points and no tolls.

  2. 2.

    A divided highway with controlled access, free of intersections and traffic lights.

Forms

plural: freeways

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    freeway interchange — where two freeways meet
  • •
    freeway on-ramp/off-ramp — entrance and exit points
  • •
    freeway traffic — heavy traffic on major roads

Related words

See also: expressway, highway, interstate, motorway
Synonyms: expressway, highway, interstate, motorway

Etymology

American English compound of free + way, coined in the 1930s. The "free" originally referred to freedom from tolls (as opposed to toll roads) and freedom from intersections.