thoroughfare

noun

thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfer How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-
1
: a way or place for passage: such as
a
: a street open at both ends
b
: a main road
2
b
: the conditions necessary for passing through

Examples of thoroughfare in a Sentence

one of the city's main thoroughfares
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two facilities take up a city block along St. Charles Avenue, the thoroughfare famous for its streetcars, Mardi Gras parades and Queen Anne mansions. T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025 The property adjacent to 159th Street, a major thoroughfare in the village, is now zoned for commercial development, but the village hasn’t seen any interest from potential businesses in part due to its shallow depth from 159th Street and two existing ponds, village documents said. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 Investigation continues The Jet Set is one of the country’s most high-profile venues, close to the busy El Malecón thoroughfare in the heart of Santo Domingo. Max Saltman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 The digital billboards began popping up recently on busy thoroughfares in Pittsburgh and more than a dozen other American cities and towns. Billy Witz, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thoroughfare

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoroughfare was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughfare. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

thoroughfare

noun
thor·​ough·​fare ˈthər-ə-ˌfa(ə)r How to pronounce thoroughfare (audio)
ˈthə-rə-,
-ˌfe(ə)r
1
: a street or road open at both ends
2
: a main road

More from Merriam-Webster on thoroughfare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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