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noun

headway

HEHD-way

Headway (noun) means Progress made toward completing something. Example: “After weeks of setbacks, the team finally made headway on the project.”

noun
1
Progress made toward completing something.
"After weeks of setbacks, the team finally made headway on the project."
2
The time or distance gap between vehicles, such as buses or trains, running the same route.
"The transit agency reduced headway during rush hour so buses arrive more often."

How to use headway

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishForward progress toward a goal, or the gap between vehicles on a route.

Common pairings
make headway gain headway

Word forms

headways plural

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Fill the gap

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After weeks of setbacks, the team finally made _____ on the project.

Etymology

Partly from Old English hēafodweġ ("main road"), and partly a shortening of "ahead-way," describing forward progress.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for headway

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Frequently asked questions

What does “headway” mean?

The word “headway” means progress made toward completing something. In plain terms, forward progress toward a goal, or the gap between vehicles on a route.

How do you pronounce “headway”?

“Headway” is pronounced HEHD-way (/ˈhɛdweɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “headway” in a sentence?

Here is “headway” used in a sentence: “After weeks of setbacks, the team finally made headway on the project.”

What part of speech is “headway”?

“Headway” is a noun.

Where does the word “headway” come from?

The word “headway” comes from Old English. Partly from Old English hēafodweġ ("main road"), and partly a shortening of "ahead-way," describing forward progress.

How many meanings does “headway” have?

“Headway” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: progress made toward completing something.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial