thoroughfare

noun

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

Synonyms of thoroughfare

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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.
On Laurel Street, a short residential thoroughfare, speeds fell from between 25 to 30 mph to less than 20 mph after speed humps were added. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026 For example, in the San Fernando Valley, a person could leave the car at home when in walking proximity to bus lines on major thoroughfares, such as Line 165 on Vanowen Street that connects Burbank to West Hills. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 Much of the action centers on Warren Street, a lively main thoroughfare lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, bookstores, cafés, and farm-to-table eateries. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 Down below, the famous thoroughfare in Midtown Manhattan is packed full of commuters and tourists. — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for thoroughfare

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Browse Nearby Words

thoroughbred
thoroughfare
thoroughfoot
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Cite this Entry

“Thoroughfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughfare. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of thoroughfare for Spanish Speakers

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