Spanish word

Panamericana

Pronunciation

IPA/panameɾiˈkana/

Meaning

  • feminine nounPan-American Highway

Example

La Panamericana atraviesa varios países.

The Pan-American Highway crosses several countries.

Illustration for Panamericana (Pan-American Highway)

More examples

Si sigues la Panamericana llegarás a la frontera.

If you follow the Pan-American Highway, you'll reach the border.

Common phrases

  • seguir la Panamericana

    follow the Pan-American Highway

  • salir de la Panamericana

    get off the Pan-American Highway

Similar words

carretera: Links towns or regions within a country as a principal long-distance road.
camino: Forms a relatively narrow track or way for people and vehicles, often unpaved.
ruta: Designates a chosen course or way to follow to reach a particular destination.
autopista: Carries high-speed motor traffic on a limited-access, multi-lane highway with no at-grade crossings.

Definition in Spanish

Denominación de la carretera que, con tramos en varios países, atraviesa gran parte del continente americano de norte a sur.

Word origin

The word panamericana combines the prefix pan- meaning 'all' with americana meaning 'relating to the Americas' to name the highway that runs along much of the American continent.

Usage tips

  • The name functions as a proper noun and normally appears with the feminine article la and often a country or section added, for example la Panamericana en México, to indicate which stretch is meant.

Related words

Word lists with this word