avenue

noun

av·​e·​nue ˈa-və-ˌnü How to pronounce avenue (audio)
-ˌnyü
Synonyms of avenuenext
1
: a way of access : route
2
: a channel for pursuing a desired object
avenues of communication
3
a
chiefly British : the principal walk or driveway to a house situated off a main road
b
: a broad passageway bordered by trees
4
: an often broad street or road

Synonyms of avenue

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Examples of avenue in a Sentence

We drove down the avenue. We plan to pursue all available avenues to get our message to the public. They have closed off that avenue of discussion. a new avenue of research
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 avenue lies within the city’s original historic district, where preservation rules tightly regulate new construction and alterations. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 While a ground operation would be complex, the ISIS report pointed out several possible avenues for attack. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 One avenue is the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), established by voters in 2018, which collects a 1 percent tax from retail sales of large corporations. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, usually an avenue for around 20% of the world's LNG trade, have underscored the importance of the project and highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supplies. — Emma Graham, CNBC, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for avenue

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from feminine of avenu, past participle of avenir to come to, from Latin advenire — more at adventure

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of avenue was in 1600

Rhymes for avenue

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Browse Nearby Words

aventurine
avenue
Avenzoar
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Cite this Entry

“Avenue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avenue. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avenue

noun
av·​e·​nue ˈav-ə-ˌn(y)ü How to pronounce avenue (audio)
1
: a way or route to a place or goal : path
2
: a usually wide street

More from Merriam-Webster on avenue

Nglish: Translation of avenue for Spanish Speakers

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