railway
RAYL-way
Railway (noun) means a transport system that runs trains on fixed tracks (British English). Example: “They took the railway from London to Edinburgh.”
noun
1
A transport system that runs trains on fixed tracks (British English).
"They took the railway from London to Edinburgh."
"The old railway through the valley is now popular with tourists."
"My grandfather worked on the railway for forty years."
How to use railway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe British word for what Americans call a railroad.
UK vs US
British English says "railway"; American English says "railroad."
Common pairings
railway station
railway line
railway track
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Word forms
- Plural
- railways
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They took the _____ from London to Edinburgh.
Etymology
A compound of "rail" and "way."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for railway
See all rhymes for railway →Frequently asked questions
What does “railway” mean?
The word “railway” means a transport system that runs trains on fixed tracks (British English). In plain terms, the British word for what Americans call a railroad.
How do you pronounce “railway”?
“Railway” is pronounced RAYL-way (/ˈɹeɪlˌweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “railway” in a sentence?
Here is “railway” used in a sentence: “They took the railway from London to Edinburgh.”
What is another word for “railway”?
Words with a similar meaning to “railway” include rwy and Ry.
What part of speech is “railway”?
“Railway” is a noun.
Is “railway” a common word?
“Railway” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a railway and a railroad?
They mean the same thing, a track-based system for running trains. Railway is the standard term in British English and much of the Commonwealth, while railroad is normal in American English. The underlying technology is identical; only the regional preference differs. Britons ride the railway; Americans ride the railroad.
What are the main parts of a railway?
A railway combines several key elements: the track, made of steel rails fixed to sleepers on a bed of ballast; the trains themselves, including locomotives and carriages; stations where passengers board; and signalling systems that keep trains safely apart. Together these form the network that moves people and freight.
What is the difference between a railway and an underground or metro?
An underground, metro, or subway is a type of railway, usually running in and beneath cities on its own dedicated tracks. The word railway is broader, covering long-distance and mainline networks between towns as well. So every metro is a railway, but not every railway is a metro.
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