What does subway mean?
In American English, a subway is an urban railway system whose routes commonly run through tunnels beneath city streets, although individual lines may also have elevated or surface sections. The term is used for systems such as the New York City subway and is distinct from long-distance or intercity rail services. In British English, however, subway usually means a pedestrian passage running beneath a road, railway, or building. The expression take the subway is common in American speech, while British speakers more often speak of taking the Underground or the Tube. Although the name suggests an entirely underground railway, many subway systems include track above ground. The word is also sometimes used more generally for a rapid urban transit system, especially in North American speech.
nounIn American English, an urban railway that runs underground, though some of its routes may be above ground. In British English, a passage beneath a street or building for pedestrians.
- An urban railway system, especially one that runs beneath streets in tunnels.
- A passage beneath a street, railway, or other structure, used by pedestrians.
"She took the subway home after the evening concert."
"The subway was delayed because of a signal failure outside the central station."
"We waited in the subway until the traffic lights changed."
The plural is used when referring to multiple railway systems, routes, or services.
"The two subways share a station near the river."
The New York City subway includes numerous elevated sections, despite the name suggesting everything runs underground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subway come from?
The word was formed in English from sub-, meaning “under,” and way, producing the sense of a way or passage beneath something. It developed during the 19th century and was later applied to underground urban railways. Its best-known association is with the New York City system, whose elevated sections make the name an imperfect but firmly established description.
How subway is actually used
Subway is the standard everyday term for an urban railway in American English. In British English, the railway is usually called the Underground or the Tube, while subway usually means a pedestrian underpass.
Easily confused with subway
In American English, both can denote an urban railway, but underground is often the broader term, while subway is the usual everyday name; in British English, underground generally refers to the railway and subway to a pedestrian underpass.