thoroughfare

[thur-oh-fair, -uh-fair, thuhr-]

noun

1. a road, street, or the like, that leads at each end into another street.

2. a major road or highway.

3. a passage or way through.

   no thoroughfare.

4. a strait, river, or the like, affording passage.

thoroughfare

/ ˈθʌrəˌfɛə /

noun

1. a road from one place to another, esp a main road

2. way through or access

   no thoroughfare

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoroughfare¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, thoroughfare is from the Middle English word thurghfare. See thorough, fare

Example Sentences

The sparse landscaping on the thoroughfares left sidewalks exposed to the bright sun, and the constant rumble of trucks and buses assaulted the eardrums.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a critical thoroughfare — the only viable route linking Crescent City, a tsunami-prone town of 6,200 people, with neighboring Humboldt County and the rest of the state.

From Los Angeles Times

In Mexico City, the march brought traffic in the capital to a standstill, as the protest moved down the main thoroughfare.

From BBC

Streets that were once quiet are now popular thoroughfares for tourists staying in the guesthouses and Airbnbs that have opened in the area.

From Los Angeles Times

An Israeli fusillade around noon Sunday and in the afternoon saw four areas in Tehran targeted, including major commercial thoroughfares, according to state media.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artery 
• avenue 
• boulevard 
• causeway 
• expressway 
• freeway 
• highway 
• lane 
• street 
• waterway