Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

turnpike

 - 3 dictionary results

turn⋅pike

  [turn-pahyk]
Use turnpike in a Sentence
–noun
1. a high-speed highway, esp. one maintained by tolls.
2. (formerly) a barrier set across such a highway to stop passage until a toll has been paid; tollgate.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME turnepike road barrier (in def. 1, short for turnpike road). See turn, pike 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To turnpike
turn·pike   (tûrn'pīk')   
n.  

  1. Abbr. Tnpk. or Tpk. A toll road, especially an expressway with tollgates.

  2. A tollgate.


[Middle English turnepike, spiked barrier : turnen, to turn; see turn + pike, sharp point; see pike5.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

turnpike 
c.1420, "spiked road barrier used for defense," from turn + pike (2) "shaft." Sense transf. to "horizontal cross of timber, turning on a vertical pin" (1547), which were used to bar horses from foot roads. This led to the sense of "barrier to stop passage until a toll is paid" (1678). Meaning "road with a toll gate" is from 1748, shortening of turnpike road (1745).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see turnpike on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way