1. 1. (Abbr. Rd.) An open, generally public way for the passage of vehicles, people, and animals.
   2. The surface of a road; a roadbed.
2. A course or path: the road to riches.
3. A railroad.
4. Nautical. A roadstead. Often used in the plural.

down the road

1. In the future; at a later date.

1. On tour, as a theatrical company.
2. Traveling, especially as a salesperson.
3. Wandering, as a vagabond.

[Middle English rode, rade, a riding, road, from Old English rād.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.