noun
Uncommon
boulevard
BOO-luh-vahd
Boulevard (noun) means a wide, tree-lined street, often with a landscaped strip down the middle or along the sides. Example: “They strolled down the boulevard past cafes and plane trees.”
noun
1
A wide, tree-lined street, often with a landscaped strip down the middle or along the sides.
"They strolled down the boulevard past cafes and plane trees."
"The parade route ran along the city's main boulevard."
"The hotel sits at the end of a grand boulevard lined with chestnut trees."
How to use boulevard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA broad, often grand, tree-lined street.
Common pairings
a tree-lined boulevard
Sunset Boulevard
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Word forms
- Plural
- boulevards
Fill the gap
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They strolled down the _____ past cafes and plane trees.
Etymology
From French boulevard, originally meaning a city rampart, from a Germanic word related to "bulwark" — the wide streets were often built where old fortress walls once stood.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “boulevard” mean?
The word “boulevard” means a wide, tree-lined street, often with a landscaped strip down the middle or along the sides. In plain terms, a broad, often grand, tree-lined street.
How do you pronounce “boulevard”?
“Boulevard” is pronounced BOO-luh-vahd (/ˈbʊ.lə.vɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “boulevard” in a sentence?
Here is “boulevard” used in a sentence: “They strolled down the boulevard past cafes and plane trees.”
What part of speech is “boulevard”?
“Boulevard” is a noun.
Where does the word “boulevard” come from?
The word “boulevard” comes from French. From French boulevard, originally meaning a city rampart, from a Germanic word related to "bulwark" — the wide streets were often built where old fortress walls once stood.
Is “boulevard” a common word?
“Boulevard” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a boulevard and a street?
A boulevard is specifically a wide street that is typically tree-lined and often features a landscaped strip running down the middle or along its sides. A regular street is a more general term that does not imply any particular width or landscaping.
What is the difference between a boulevard and an avenue?
A boulevard is defined mainly by its width and tree-lined, landscaped character, while an avenue is a broader term often used for a grand or straight thoroughfare, sometimes lined with trees as well. In practice the two terms overlap significantly and are often used interchangeably in city naming conventions.
Why are boulevards often named after famous streets like Sunset Boulevard?
Boulevards are named for their physical form, a wide, tree-lined road, so cities frequently choose the term for their grandest or most scenic streets. This is why prominent avenues in many cities carry "Boulevard" in their official name.
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