freeway

Everyday

A big, fast road with several lanes in each direction, where traffic can drive without stopping at traffic lights or crossings (mostly American and Australian English). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and road safety: people walk or ride bikes on a freeway never — it is only for cars, buses and lorries. In other countries it is called a motorway (UK, Ireland, New Zealand), highway or expressway. Phrases: «on the freeway», «take the freeway», «freeway exit», «freeway on-ramp».

Examples

• We drove to Los Angeles on the freeway. tree →
• The freeway was jammed with traffic this morning. tree →
• Take the next freeway exit to get to the zoo. tree →
• Bikes and walkers are not allowed on the freeway. tree →
• Cars go very fast on the freeway. tree →
• In Melbourne, Dad takes the freeway to work. tree →

Note

«Free» here means «free-flowing, no stops», not «costs nothing» — though most freeways are also toll-free. In the UK the word is «motorway». Countable.