toll bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Historical
Quick answer
What does “toll bar” mean?
A barrier or gate across a road where a toll (fee) must be paid to pass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A barrier or gate across a road where a toll (fee) must be paid to pass.
A physical barrier used historically to collect road or bridge tolls; can refer to the location or structure itself. In modern usage, sometimes used metaphorically for any point where payment or cost is extracted.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more likely to appear in British historical contexts. In the US, 'toll booth', 'toll gate', or 'toll plaza' are more common contemporary terms.
Connotations
In the UK, it may evoke images of turnpike roads and 18th/19th century travel. In the US, it has a more generic, functional connotation if used.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary speech in both varieties. Higher frequency in historical texts or discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “toll bar” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] toll bar [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toll bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old road used to toll bar travellers every few miles.
- They decided to toll bar the new bridge to fund its maintenance.
American English
- The county voted to toll bar the parkway entrance.
- Historically, they would toll bar any cart passing through the valley.
adjective
British English
- The toll-bar system was unpopular with local merchants.
- We passed an old toll-bar house on our walk.
American English
- The toll-bar revenue was used for road repairs.
- They studied the economic impact of toll-bar roads.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in historical cost analysis of transport.
Academic
Used in historical, economic, or transport history texts.
Everyday
Virtually unused. 'Toll booth' is the everyday term.
Technical
Used in historical engineering or infrastructure documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toll bar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toll bar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toll bar”
- Using 'toll bar' for modern electronic toll collection points.
- Confusing it with 'toll bridge' (the bridge itself, not the barrier).
- Spelling as 'tollbar' (sometimes accepted but less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'toll bar' specifically refers to the physical barrier or gate. A 'toll booth' is the small building where an attendant collects the toll. They are often found together.
It is very rare in contemporary spoken English. It is primarily a historical term. Modern terms like 'toll plaza', 'toll gate', or 'toll point' are more common.
Yes, though it is archaic. It means to place a toll bar on a road or to charge a toll at such a barrier.
A 'turnpike' is the road or trust that operates the toll road system. A 'toll bar' is the specific physical barrier on that road where the toll is collected.
A barrier or gate across a road where a toll (fee) must be paid to pass.
Toll bar is usually formal/historical in register.
Toll bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊl ˌbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊl ˌbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life's toll bar (metaphorical for a challenging point requiring payment/sacrifice)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TOLL (fee) you must pay at a BAR (barrier) across the road.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER IS A POINT OF EXTRACTION; A JOURNEY IS A SERIES OF COSTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern equivalent of a 'toll bar'?