What does railroad mean?
A railroad is a railway system, including its tracks, stations, and associated infrastructure. In American English it can refer to an entire route or network, although “railroad track” often refers more specifically to the rails on which trains run. The term also occurs in fixed expressions such as “railroad crossing,” “railroad station,” and “railroad worker.” As a verb, “railroad” has additional, less frequent meanings: to impede someone’s progress through bureaucratic obstacles, and to hurry a task or decision. The phrase “to railroad a bill through the legislature,” for example, suggests that the bill was pushed forward without adequate consideration. Although the wording is particularly common in the United States, speakers elsewhere generally prefer “railway” for the physical system and “train” for the vehicle or service. The compound formation reflects the close historical relationship between railways and the expanding transport networks of the nineteenth century.
A railway system, route, or the tracks and infrastructure belonging to one.
"The railroad connects the town with the coast."
Chiefly American English; British English normally uses “railway.”
To impede or delay someone’s progress, especially through procedural obstacles, or to push a decision or task forward with excessive haste.
"The senator accused officials of railroading the investigation into a predetermined conclusion."
This use is informal and often carries a critical connotation.
Of, relating to, or used in connection with a railway.
"The railroad company replaced the aging bridge."
Most often encountered as an attributive modifier, as in “railroad track” and “railroad worker.”
The plural is used when referring to multiple railway routes, systems, or installations.
"The company built railroads through several rural communities."
The word “railroad” joined two familiar parts of motion: “rail,” for the iron tracks, and “road,” for a route across the land.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of railroad
“Railroad” was an American English compound formed in the early nineteenth century from “rail” and “road,” following the establishment of railways. The component words refer literally to a route made or guided by rails. Its development accompanied the rapid expansion of steam-powered rail transport in Britain and the United States, where the term became especially established.
Related word forms
How railroad is actually used
As a noun, “railroad” is especially associated with American English. As a verb, it can be informal and usually implies pressure, excessive haste, or the use of improper procedural shortcuts.
Easily confused with railroad
“Railroad” is especially common in American English, while “railway” is the standard term in British English and is also widely used in formal international contexts.