autobahnen
|au-to-bah-nen|
/ˈaʊtəˌbɑːn/
(autobahn)
high-speed road
Etymology
'autobahn' originates from German, specifically the word 'Autobahn', where the element 'auto-' ultimately comes from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self' (via 'Automobil' for automobile) and 'Bahn' meant 'track' or 'way'.
'autobahn' entered English from German in the early 20th century; the German plural form 'autobahnen' has also been used in English contexts to refer specifically to German motorways.
Initially it meant 'automobile track/way', but over time it evolved to refer specifically to a high-speed, controlled-access highway.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'autobahn'; a German controlled-access, high-speed highway (often noted for sections with no general speed limit).
Many visitors are fascinated by the lack of speed limits on some German autobahnen.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/23 18:40