Thoroughfare: meaning, definitions and examples

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thoroughfare

 

[ ˈθʌrΙ™ΛŒfeΙ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

busy street

A thoroughfare is a busy street or road that leads from one place to another, often in a city or town. It is a main route for traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles.

Synonyms

avenue, boulevard, road, street

Examples of usage

  • The main thoroughfare through the city was lined with shops and cafes.
  • The accident caused a traffic jam on the busy thoroughfare.
Context #2 | Noun

passageway

In architecture, a thoroughfare refers to a passage or corridor that allows movement from one area to another. It can be indoors or outdoors and is designed for easy access.

Synonyms

aisle, corridor, passage, walkway

Examples of usage

  • The hotel lobby had a spacious thoroughfare leading to the conference rooms.
  • The park had several beautiful thoroughfares for visitors to explore.

Etymology

The word 'thoroughfare' originated in the late 15th century from the combination of 'thorough' meaning 'complete' or 'through' and 'fare' meaning 'journey' or 'travel'. It originally referred to a passage or way through which travelers could complete their journey. Over time, the term evolved to describe busy streets or roads that facilitate movement and transportation in urban areas.

See also: thoroughbred, thoroughgoingness, thoroughly, thoroughness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,230, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.