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major highway

[/ˈmeɪdʒər ˈhaɪweɪ/]
nounpl: major highways
rodovia principal
1. A primary road or expressway that connects cities and regions, designed for high-speed traffic and serving as a main route for long-distance travel
The major highway connects the two largest cities in the state.
A rodovia principal conecta as duas maiores cidades do estado.
2. A heavily trafficked interstate or federal road with multiple lanes and limited local access
Traffic on the major highway was backed up for miles due to the accident.
O trânsito na rodovia principal estava engarrafado por quilômetros devido ao acidente.
NYC Slang
highway; the expressway; main drag (colloquial)
Synonyms
interstateexpresswaytrunk roadmain highwayprimary roadarterial road
Antonyms
back roadlocal roadside streetminor road

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
rodovia principal; via expressa; estrada federal
Most common usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
estrada federal; via expressa
Often refers to federal highways connecting the city to other regions
São Paulo
rodovia; via expressa; pista
São Paulo has extensive highway networks commonly referred to as 'rodovias'
Portugal
estrada nacional; via de trânsito rápido; auto-estrada
Portuguese uses 'auto-estrada' for toll highways and 'estrada nacional' for major roads

Related Idioms & Phrases

hit the highway
highway robbery
the information superhighway
major thoroughfare
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