turnpike — a major road where tolls are charged for its use
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a major road where tolls are charged for its use
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɜːrnpaɪk/
Example Sentences
- The GPS suggested taking the turnpike, but my wallet suggested taking the scenic route instead.
- Traffic on the turnpike was so slow that the toll felt like paying for a very expensive parking spot.
- The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the busiest toll roads in the United States.
turnpike
NOUN[/ˈtɜːrnpaɪk/]
a major road where tolls are charged for its use

Drivers stop at the turnpike booth to pay before speeding onto the highway.

A bike on the turnpike meets a spike!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Formed in the 16th century from the combination of 'turn' (to rotate) and 'pike' (a pointed staff or spear). Originally referred to a rotating spiked barrier used to block roads and collect tolls, the term later came to denote the toll road itself.
Breakdown
turn (to rotate) + pike (a pointed staff or spear). The compound originally described a rotating barrier mechanism before evolving to refer to the toll road system as a whole.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The GPS suggested taking the turnpike, but my wallet suggested taking the scenic route instead.”
“Traffic on the turnpike was so slow that the toll felt like paying for a very expensive parking spot.”
“The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the busiest toll roads in the United States.”
“Before electronic toll collection, turnpike travel meant stopping at every toll booth.”
📚Related Words
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