A turnpike is a major road or highway where drivers pay a toll (a fee) to use it. The money collected helps maintain the road and keep it in good condition.

Today's turnpikes use electronic sensors or toll booths to collect tolls.

Many states have famous turnpikes: the New Jersey Turnpike, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Massachusetts Turnpike (often called “the Mass Pike”). These roads typically have multiple lanes, rest stops, and connect major cities. They're designed for faster travel than regular roads, though you'll need cash or an electronic pass to pay the toll.

The word can also refer to any toll road, not just major highways. Before modern roads existed, private companies often built and maintained turnpikes, charging travelers for the privilege of using a well-kept road instead of muddy, rutted paths.