ˈrā(ə)lˌwā sometimes ˈrāu̇ˌ or ˈreu̇ˌ- noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: rail (II) + way
1. : a runway or track formed of rails originally of wood but now usually of steel laid end to end usually in two parallel lines to make a permanent way for cars : a way laid with two or more tracks in such manner — called also railroad
2. : railroad 2 ; often : a railroad operating with light equipment or within a small area — compare street railway
3. : a line of track providing a runway for wheels
a cash or parcel railway in a department store
the railway of a traveling crane