roadbed

noun

road·​bed ˈrōd-ˌbed How to pronounce roadbed (audio)
1
a
: the bed on which the ties, rails, and ballast of a railroad rest
b
: the ballast or the upper surface of the ballast on which the ties rest
2
a
: the earth foundation of a road prepared for surfacing
b
: the part of the surface of a road traveled by vehicles

Examples of roadbed in a Sentence

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.
When the stone near the surface can no longer support the weight of overlying soil or a roadbed, the ground collapses and a sinkhole appears. Mary Ann Ashcraft, Baltimore Sun, 23 Nov. 2024 May 15, 2024 The officers hopped down onto the roadbed, grabbed the victim by each arm and hoisted him back onto the platform, the video shows. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 May 2024 The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 28 May 2024 One officer leaped back onto the platform, but the other cop had trouble getting off the roadbed because his gun belt kept striking the lip of the platform, an NYPD spokesman said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for roadbed 

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of roadbed was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near roadbed

Cite this Entry

“Roadbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roadbed. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

roadbed

noun
road·​bed -ˌbed How to pronounce roadbed (audio)
1
: the foundation of a road or railroad
2
: the part of the surface of a road that vehicles travel on

More from Merriam-Webster on roadbed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!