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
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.
TxDOT is planning to widen busy thoroughfare from Bill Cook Road west of Justin to FM 1830 near Lantana. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026 Connecting Highway 401 in Ontario with Interstate 75 in Michigan, the six-lane thoroughfare is expected to reduce congestion at surrounding border crossings while facilitating a freer flow of goods between the countries. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 The two major thoroughfares will have one lane closed in each direction until cleanup is complete, which will last through summer, Pestrella said. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 9 June 2026 Traffic typically backs up on Harbor Drive and other main downtown thoroughfares on nights when concerts at The Shell and Padres games take place concurrently. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thoroughfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughfare. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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

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