highwayman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “highwayman” mean?
A man, historically on horseback, who robbed travellers on public roads.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man, historically on horseback, who robbed travellers on public roads.
A historical figure or archetype from the 17th-19th centuries, often romanticized in literature and folklore as a gentleman robber who targeted stagecoaches.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in both varieties but is more strongly associated with British history (e.g., Dick Turpin). In American contexts, 'stagecoach robber' or 'outlaw' might be more typical, though 'highwayman' is used for the same historical concept.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical/literary association (e.g., Alfred Noyes' poem 'The Highwayman'). US: Similar, but less culturally immediate; may be viewed more as a generic historical term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern usage. Slightly higher in UK due to cultural heritage.
Grammar
How to Use “highwayman” in a Sentence
The highwayman robbed [the coach/travellers].They were held up by [a highwayman].[Highwaymen] plagued [the roads].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “highwayman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'To highwayman' is not a standard verb.
American English
- 'To highwayman' is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- 'highwayman-like' - He had a highwayman-like swagger about him.
American English
- 'highwayman-esque' - The costume had a highwayman-esque cloak and hat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies of crime, transportation, or literature.
Everyday
Rare; used when discussing history, folklore, or in metaphorical/ humorous reference to someone demanding money.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “highwayman”
- Using it for modern muggers or carjackers (incorrect register/period).
- Spelling as two words ('highway man').
- Assuming it applies to women (the female equivalent is 'highwaywoman', but exceedingly rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a strictly historical term. Using it for a modern mugger would be incorrect and sound humorous or literary.
Extremely rarely. The term 'highwaywoman' exists but is not common. Most historical references are to men.
A highwayman operated on land (roads), while a pirate operated at sea. Both are historical robbers, but their domains differ.
In a historical or literary context, it can be used with romanticised, positive connotations (e.g., 'dashing', 'gallant'), but its core meaning remains criminal.
A man, historically on horseback, who robbed travellers on public roads.
Highwayman is usually literary, historical, formal in register.
Highwayman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪweɪmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪweɪmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[As] dashing/romantic as a highwayman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HIGH WAY (road) where a MAN stops you to take your money. HIGHWAY + MAN = highwayman.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE (the highwayman's flamboyant style); THE PAST IS A DIFFERENT COUNTRY (used to evoke a bygone era).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a highwayman?