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
Enter this quarter-zip style from Lands’ End, which is designed in soft cotton with bold stripes and ribbing throughout the material. Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025 Pinterest and social media are the two most popular tools for help with party planning right now, and hosts will continue to search online platforms for party inspiration throughout 2026. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
Adverb
And while the literal message of the image of Queen Charlotte is obvious, there are other messages layered throughout, Binter said. Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025 Watson gave high-fives and signed stuff for more than an hour, smiling throughout, aching sides and all. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 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 29 Dec. 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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