Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

beltway

noun

[belt-wey]

Definition

A beltway is a highway or road encircling a city or metropolitan area, designed to facilitate the movement of traffic around the urban center.

Examples

Many commuters use the beltway to avoid heavy traffic in the city.
The new road construction will improve access to the beltway and reduce travel times for residents.
He often spoke critically of the policy decisions made by those within the beltway.

Meaning

The term ‘beltway’ often refers to roads that connect various suburbs and regions surrounding a city, allowing drivers to bypass the congested urban areas. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the political environment and discussions in Washington, D.C.