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
The roving raids targeting car washes, parking lots where day laborers gather and garment factories disrupted immigrant communities throughout the region for weeks in June and July. City News Service, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026 The late television star took up topics throughout The Mary Tyler Moore Show's seven-season run, challenging the audience as cultural norms shifted. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Casting director Melissa Kostenbauder touched on the process of finding all the real-life cameos from Dave Franco to Martin Scorsese and Zoe Kravitz all making appearances throughout. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026 Here, Kerry Washington adds texture to her cut with layers throughout. Audrey Noble, InStyle, 13 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 21 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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