turnpike

noun

turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk 

1

a(1)

: a road (such as an expressway) for the use of which tolls are collected

(2)

: a road formerly maintained as a turnpike

b

: a main road

especially : a paved highway with a rounded surface

2

: tollgate

Synonyms

• arterial
• artery
• avenue
• boulevard
• carriageway [British]
• drag
• drive
• expressway
• freeway
• high road
• highway
• pass
• pike
• road
• roadway
• route
• row
• street
• thoroughfare
• thruway
• trace
• way

Examples of turnpike in a Sentence

the turnpike was jammed with people heading south for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to offering upscale accommodations, the Cyrus’ lobby, with its high ceilings and modern aesthetic, opens to a variety of restaurants and bars, all plotted along South Kansas Avenue, Topeka’s main street, running from the Kansas River to the turnpike. —Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024

The idea of adding an entrance from Old Saybrook near the turnpike Exit 66 has been discussed, but is not in the current plan. —Marcia Simon, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2024

This photo shows a Maine State Police trooper's cruiser rear-ended at a traffic stop on the state turnpike in Biddeford on July 20. —CBS News, 21 July 2024

Her prior infractions were for violating rules on the Pennsylvania turnpike in 2014, driving without proper inspection in 2015, and speeding in 2021. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turnepike revolving frame bearing spikes and serving as a barrier, from turnen to turn + pike

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

turnpike

noun

turn·​pike ˈtərn-ˌpīk 

1

: a road one must pay to use

2

: a main road

Etymology

Middle English turnepike "a turning frame bearing spikes that is used as a barrier," from turnen "to turn" and pike "a pointed weapon"

Word Origin

In the Middle Ages, a spiked barrier would sometimes be placed on a road or bridge to protect against sudden attack. The barrier would have to be turned to allow passage. The Middle English word for such a barrier was turnepike. This word was formed from the verb turnen, meaning "to turn," and the noun pike, meaning "a sharp-tipped weapon." With a slight change in spelling, turnpike later came to be used as the word for a simple gate placed across a road. In order to pass through the turnpike, travelers would have to pay a fee or toll. A road on which these tollgates were found was called a turnpike road. Such a road in time became known simply as a turnpike.