Definition

1. Noun:
   • A barrier across a road where a toll is collected: "toll-bar" refers to a gate or barrier placed on a road, bridge, or highway at which travellers must pay a fee (a toll) to proceed. It is a physical structure used for toll collection.

Usage Examples

• (A barrier on a road where payment is required.)
• (A barrier for collecting tolls.)

Advanced Usage

• "to raise the toll-bar": to increase the fee charged at a toll-bar.

  • The government decided to raise the toll-bar on the bridge to fund repairs. (To increase the toll amount.)

• "to pass the toll-bar": to go through the barrier after paying.

  • After waiting in line, he finally passed the toll-bar and entered the city. (To go beyond the barrier.)

Variants and Related Words

• Toll (n): a fee paid for the use of a road, bridge, or other facility.

  • The toll for crossing the bridge is $5. (The fee required.)

• Tollbooth (n): a booth or kiosk at a toll-bar where fees are collected.

  • The attendant sat inside the tollbooth, collecting money from drivers. (A small structure for toll collection.)

• Barrier (n): a general term for any structure that blocks passage.

  • The barrier at the entrance was lowered to prevent entry. (A blocking structure.)

Synonyms

• Tollgate: a gate or barrier where a toll is paid (synonymous with "toll-bar").

  • The car slowed down as it approached the tollgate. (A barrier for toll collection.)

• Turnpike: a road or highway where tolls are collected, often with toll-bars.

  • The turnpike required payment at several toll-bars along the route. (A toll road.)

Related Idioms

• "to toll the bell": (unrelated to toll-bars) to ring a bell, especially to announce a death or a time.
  • The church bell tolled at noon. (Rang a bell.) — Note: This idiom does not relate to "toll-bar" but uses the word "toll" in a different sense.

Notes

• "Toll-bar" is a specific term often used in historical or regional contexts, especially for older roads or bridges. Modern equivalents are often called "toll plazas" or "toll gates."