headway

noun

head·​way ˈhed-ˌwā How to pronounce headway (audio)
Synonyms of headwaynext
1
a
: motion or rate of motion in a forward direction
b
: advance, progress
gradually making some headway on the project
2
: headroom (as under an arch) sufficient to allow passage
3
: the time interval between two vehicles traveling in the same direction on the same route

Synonyms of headway

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Examples of headway in a Sentence

the ant was making little headway carrying a crumb that was about five times his size
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indirect optogenetics is making strong headway for autism and schizophrenia. — Karl Deisseroth, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026 The rollout of advanced nuclear power in the US has made major headway. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated Monday that the chances of making speedy headway on forging a peace settlement were bleak after recent Ukrainian attacks, including during recent parliamentary elections in Russia. — Hanna Arhirova, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026 The official readouts otherwise did not make much headway on major issues, beyond agreeing to keep talking and extending a trade truce — which keeps tariffs lower and rare earths flowing — for another two months. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headway

Word History

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of headway was in 1730

Phrases Containing headway

Rhymes for headway

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Browse Nearby Words

headwater
headway
headwear
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Cite this Entry

“Headway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headway. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headway

noun
head·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce headway (audio)
1
: motion forward
2
: progress entry 1 sense 2
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