rapid transit

noun

: fast passenger transportation (as by subway) in urban areas

Examples of rapid transit in a Sentence

We'll use rapid transit to get from the airport to the hotel.
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.
The project team said their vision could be a temporary way to activate the tunnels as funds are raised and plans are made for rapid transit. Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 By mid-2018, the Pulse's years-long construction — which removed hundreds of street parking spaces and dotted Broad with traffic cones for years — was finally wrapped and the rapid transit line was running. Karri Peifer, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 The elevated rapid transit system and subway shut down. David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 The other options convert all or some of the Silver Line to bus rapid transit — with buses in dedicated lanes that have traffic signal priority, elevated platforms and enhanced stations. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid transit

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid transit was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapid transit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20transit. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rapid transit

noun
: fast public passenger transportation (as by subway) in cities

More from Merriam-Webster on rapid transit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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