Definition

1. Noun:
   • An extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound, video, and graphics in digital form: This meaning refers to a high-capacity digital communications pathway, often a metaphor for the internet's infrastructure.
   • A broad highway designed for high-speed traffic: This is the original, literal meaning, referring to a major road, such as an expressway or freeway, built for fast travel over long distances.

Examples

• Noun (Digital Network):

  • The information superhighway has revolutionized global communication.
  • Data travels across the superhighway at incredible speeds.

• Noun (Physical Road):

  • We drove on the superhighway to cross the state quickly.
  • The new superhighway reduced travel time between the two cities by half.

Advanced Usage

• "Information superhighway": A common metaphorical phrase specifically for the global telecommunications network and the internet.
  • In the 1990s, there was much talk about building the information superhighway.

Variants and Related Words

• Freeway (n): A high-speed divided highway with no intersections, typically with tolls.
• Expressway (n): A major divided highway designed for high-speed traffic, often with partial access control.
• Throughway/Thruway (n): A broad highway for high-speed through traffic.

Synonyms

• Digital network (for the electronic meaning).
• Arterial highway, motorway (BrE), interstate (US, for the physical road meaning).

Related Phrases

• On-ramp to the superhighway: Figuratively, gaining access to a major system or network (often digital).
  • Learning basic coding is your on-ramp to the digital superhighway.

Noun

1. an extensive electronic network (such as the internet) used for the rapid transfer of sound and video and graphics in digital form
2. a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic