subway

noun

sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā How to pronounce subway (audio)
: an underground way: such as
a
: a passage under a street (as for pedestrians, power cables, or water or gas mains)
b
: a usually electric underground railway
c
subway intransitive verb

Examples of subway in a Sentence

I took the subway to midtown. No one on the subway seemed to mind how crowded it was. I've been on both the New York subway and the Underground in London.
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.
The video was played at the trial of Penny, who is charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide in the May 1, 2023, death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless Black man who some witnesses say was acting erratically on a subway car. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 The Detroit Pistons just commuted to work as any New Yorker would — by taking the subway. Marina Watts, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 In one video police posted, people stand and walk on top of moving subway cars as strong winds buffet them. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 With 472 stations and 28 routes covering all 5 boroughs, the subway is the most convenient option. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subway 

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subway was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near subway

Cite this Entry

“Subway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subway. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subway

noun
sub·​way ˈsəb-ˌwā How to pronounce subway (audio)
1
: an underground passage
2
: a usually electric underground railway
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!