highwayman

noun

high·​way·​man ˈhī-ˌwā-mən How to pronounce highwayman (audio)
: a thief who robs travelers on a road

Examples of highwayman in a Sentence

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.
In the irreverent retelling of the 18th-century highwayman’s life, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship, and great hair. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025 Written by Fielding, Richard Naylor and Jon Brittain, the series followed the contemptuous life of the 18th-century highwayman, known in York, England, as a thief, poacher and killer but whose exploits have been widely romanticized in modern culture. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025 The group gets further assistance from a charming aristocratic dandy/secret highwayman named Charles Devereaux (Frank Dillane). Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024 The performer arrived in Nashville six years ago as a mystical highwayman of sorts, older than his years. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2024 Ride along Rotten Row, a bridleway once frequented by highwaymen, who preyed on people traveling between Kensington Palace and Whitehall, the seat of government. Anna Kim, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2024 The group gets further assistance from a charming aristocratic dandy/secret highwayman named Charles Devereaux (Frank Dillane, The Essex Serpent). Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 15 Apr. 2024 Protection has long been needed against highwaymen—or, as they’re called locally, coupeurs de route. Jérôme Tubiana, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2017 When a highwayman makes the mistake of trying to stick her up, a tiny golden spark — Billy — flies into her nose. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of highwayman was in 1617

Dictionary Entries Near highwayman

Cite this Entry

“Highwayman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highwayman. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

highwayman

noun
high·​way·​man -mən How to pronounce highwayman (audio)
: a person who robs travelers on a highway

More from Merriam-Webster on highwayman

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