1. a highway that encircles a city or urban area
2. the political and social world of Washington, D.C., especially the federal government and lobbying community
Usage: often capitalized; informal

Examples

• Traffic was heavy on the beltway during rush hour.
• The new shopping center is located just off the beltway.
• Construction crews are widening the beltway to reduce congestion.
• Many Beltway insiders predicted the bill would pass easily.
• The candidate promised to challenge the Beltway establishment.
• Beltway politics often seem disconnected from ordinary Americans.
• She commutes daily on the beltway from the suburbs to downtown.