expressway

noun

ex·​press·​way ik-ˈspres-ˌwā How to pronounce expressway (audio)
: a high-speed divided highway for through traffic with access partially or fully controlled

Examples of expressway in a Sentence

a baffling maze of high-speed expressways encircles the city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marty Quinn, whose 13th Ward is covered by CPD’s Chicago Lawn District, said several arterial streets are akin to expressways, and the area’s police officers are regularly swamped with other calls for service and unable to discourage aggressive and reckless drivers. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 The northbound lanes of the expressway near the scene of the crash remained closed late Wednesday morning. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025 Moreover, private aviation is also the expressway for time-sensitive life-saving organ transplants. Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Homicide data from the Illinois State Police, which patrols the city’s expressways, also is not included here. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expressway

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expressway was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Expressway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expressway. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

expressway

noun
ex·​press·​way ik-ˈspres-ˌwā How to pronounce expressway (audio)
: a divided superhighway that may be entered and left only at special places

More from Merriam-Webster on expressway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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