Turnpike

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /tɜːrnˌpaɪk/

Definitions of turnpike

noun a barrier set across a road to stop traffic, especially one with a tollbooth

Example Sentences

A1 I drove on the turnpike to get to the airport.

A2 The toll booth on the turnpike was closed, so I didn't have to pay.

B1 The turnpike is the fastest route to our destination, but it can be expensive.

B2 The turnpike was packed with traffic during rush hour.

C1 The construction on the turnpike caused major delays for commuters.

C2 The turnpike authority announced plans to widen the road to alleviate congestion.

Examples of turnpike in a Sentence

formal The toll booth on the turnpike is causing traffic congestion.

informal Let's take the turnpike to avoid all the traffic on the highway.

slang I always feel like a boss driving on the turnpike.

figurative Life is like a turnpike, full of twists and turns.

Grammatical Forms of turnpike

past tense

turnpiked

plural

turnpikes

comparative

more turnpike

superlative

most turnpike

present tense

turnpikes

future tense

will turnpike

perfect tense

have turnpiked

continuous tense

is turnpiking

singular

turnpike

positive degree

turnpike

infinitive

to turnpike

gerund

turnpiking

participle

turnpiking

Origin and Evolution of turnpike

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'turnpike' originated in England during the 17th century.
Evolution of the word: Originally referred to a spiked barrier that could be turned to allow passage through a tollgate, the term 'turnpike' later evolved to also mean a road or highway on which tolls were collected for use and maintenance.