throughout

1 of 2

preposition

through·​out thrü-ˈau̇t How to pronounce throughout (audio)
Synonyms of throughoutnext
1
: all the way from one end to the other of : in or to every part of
cities throughout the United States
2
: during the whole course or period of
troubled her throughout her life

throughout

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in or to every part : everywhere
of one color throughout
2
: during the whole time or action : from beginning to end
remained loyal throughout

Examples of throughout in a Sentence

Preposition The company has stores throughout the United States and Canada. She has traveled throughout the world. His supporters remained loyal throughout his difficulties. Throughout her life, she has suffered with the disease. It rained throughout the day. Adverb The house is painted white throughout. The house has wood floors throughout. He had a difficult year, but his supporters remained loyal throughout.
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.
Preposition
While Russian state media said that the ceasefire went into effect, Ukraine’s military said attacks continued throughout the period. Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026 Off the runway, however, Copenhagen’s key labels made sure to show up in alternative ways throughout the week. Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Available in nine sizes, the rug's medallion pattern has subtle hints of blue, green, and pink throughout. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 There are nods to this history throughout, and particularly in the restaurant, Annette, which was named in tribute to Annette Kolb, the inspirational French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the original Hotel Cayré for 17 years from 1944. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for throughout

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of throughout was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throughout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throughout. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

throughout

1 of 2 adverb
through·​out thrü-ˈau̇t How to pronounce throughout (audio)
1
: in or to every part : everywhere
of one color throughout
2
: during the whole time or action : from beginning to end
remained loyal throughout

throughout

2 of 2 preposition
1
: in or to every part of
throughout the house
2
: during the whole time of
throughout the evening

More from Merriam-Webster on throughout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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