Railway

Definition

Railway is a noun that refers to a system of tracks, trains, and infrastructure used for transporting passengers and goods. It can also denote the organization or company operating such a system.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪl.weɪ/
• Respelling: RAYL-way

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪl.weɪ/
• Respelling: RAYL-way

Etymology

The word "railway" combines "rail," derived from the Latin "regula," meaning "straight piece of wood," and "way," from Old English "weg," meaning "path." It came into use in the early 19th century with the development of train systems.

Derivatives

• Railroad (noun, primarily American English)
• Railwayman (noun)
• Railway station (noun)
• Railway system (noun)
• Railway track (noun)

Synonyms

• Railroad
• Trackway
• Rail network

Antonyms

• Highway
• Airway
• None

Usage

The term "railway" is widely used in transportation contexts to refer to train systems or infrastructure. Examples include "The railway connects major cities across the country" and "He works as an engineer for the national railway."

Related Terms

• Train: A series of connected vehicles running on a railway.
• Station: A stopping point for trains to pick up or drop off passengers or goods.
• Track: The rails on which trains run.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A system of tracks and trains: Refers to the infrastructure used for transporting passengers or goods.
  • Example: "The country has an extensive railway network."
• A company or organization operating trains: Refers to the entity managing train services and infrastructure.
  • Example: "The national railway is government-owned."
• A pathway for trains: Refers to the physical tracks or route taken by trains.
  • Example: "The old railway has been converted into a walking trail."