getaway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1-B2Informal, colloquial; in journalistic/crime reporting and travel contexts.
Quick answer
What does “getaway” mean?
An escape or departure, typically in a hurry, or a short holiday/vacation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An escape or departure, typically in a hurry, or a short holiday/vacation.
1. An act of escaping, especially from crime or confinement. 2. A short break or holiday, often for relaxation. 3. The means or vehicle used for an escape. 4. A location serving as a retreat, as in a 'getaway cabin'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both major senses (escape/holiday) are used in both varieties. 'Getaway weekend' and 'getaway car' are equally common.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used for a rural/short holiday in UK; equally for urban or rural breaks in US.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “getaway” in a Sentence
plan a getawayuse something as a getawaymake one's getaway (in/with something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “getaway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'getaway' is not a verb. The verb phrase is 'get away'.
American English
- N/A – 'getaway' is not a verb. The verb phrase is 'get away'.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'getaway' is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A – 'getaway' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They rented a secluded getaway cottage in the Lake District.
- The police found the stolen getaway vehicle abandoned.
American English
- We booked a cozy getaway cabin in the mountains.
- The robbers used a high-speed getaway car.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'a corporate getaway for team building'.
Academic
Very rare; would only appear in criminology or tourism studies.
Everyday
Common for discussing holidays/vacations and news stories about crime.
Technical
Used in police/crime reporting jargon for the escape phase of a crime.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “getaway”
- Using 'getaway' as a verb (incorrect: *'They getaway to the coast'). The verb is 'get away'.
- Confusing spelling: 'getaway' (noun/adj) vs. 'get away' (verb phrase).
- Overusing for any holiday; implies a degree of escape or seclusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun (meaning an escape or short holiday) or adjective (as in 'getaway car'), it is one word: 'getaway'. The verb phrase is two words: 'get away'.
Typically, no. It strongly implies a short break or a swift escape. A two-week holiday is less likely to be called a 'getaway' unless emphasising the 'escape' aspect.
A 'retreat' often implies quiet, solitude, and possibly spiritual/wellness focus. A 'getaway' is broader, can be lively or quiet, and emphasises leaving one's normal environment.
Both are very common. The 'holiday' sense is likely more frequent in everyday conversation, while the 'escape/crime' sense is dominant in news and fiction.
An escape or departure, typically in a hurry, or a short holiday/vacation.
Getaway is usually informal, colloquial; in journalistic/crime reporting and travel contexts. in register.
Getaway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡet.ə.weɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡet̬.ə.weɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a clean getaway”
- “getaway with murder (idiomatically separate)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the phrase 'GET AWAY fast' – it's an escape or a trip to get away from it all.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESCAPE IS A JOURNEY; FREEDOM IS MOVING AWAY; LEISURE IS ESCAPE FROM WORK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'getaway' LEAST likely to be used?