throughout

1 of 2

preposition

through·​out thrü-ˈau̇t How to pronounce throughout (audio)
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
With a comfy memory foam insole, chic design, and multiple color options, they’re bound to be in your rotation throughout the season. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 May 2025 Mobs of hundreds of young people have converged on locations throughout the city to wreak havoc, with massive fights requiring responses from hundreds of police officers. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 May 2025
Adverb
Personal details throughout, like art and ceramics with their deep, almost-black details, create visual tension and interest. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025 Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 21 May 2025 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 28 May. 2025.

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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