noun

Beltway

BEHLT-way

Beltway (noun) means a highway that loops around a city. Example: “Rush-hour traffic on the beltway added an hour to the drive.”

noun

A highway that loops around a city.

"Rush-hour traffic on the beltway added an hour to the drive."

In US politics, shorthand for the Washington, D.C. political establishment, often implying insularity.

"The proposal was dismissed by beltway insiders as unworkable."

How to use Beltway

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally a ring road around a city; figuratively, the closed world of Washington politics.

Common pairings

inside the beltway beltway politics

Word forms

more Beltway comparative, beltways plural, most Beltway superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Rush-hour traffic on the _____ added an hour to the drive.

Etymology

From "belt" (something that encircles) plus "way," originally describing the ring road around Washington, D.C.

Synonyms

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bypass ringway ring road

Related words

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Rhymes for Beltway

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for Beltway →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Beltway” mean?

The word “Beltway” means a highway that loops around a city. In plain terms, literally a ring road around a city; figuratively, the closed world of Washington politics.

How do you pronounce “Beltway”?

“Beltway” is pronounced BEHLT-way (/ˈbɛltˌweɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Beltway” in a sentence?

Here is “Beltway” used in a sentence: “Rush-hour traffic on the beltway added an hour to the drive.”

What part of speech is “Beltway”?

“Beltway” is a noun.

How many meanings does “Beltway” have?

“Beltway” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a highway that loops around a city.

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