noun

thoroughfare

THUH-ruh-fair

Thoroughfare (noun) means a public road or street that runs through an area, connecting one place to another. Example: “Oxford Street is one of London's busiest thoroughfares.”

noun

A public road or street that runs through an area, connecting one place to another.

"Oxford Street is one of London's busiest thoroughfares."

"The old highway was once the main thoroughfare between the two towns."

The act of passing through a place; passage or transit.

"The sign read "No Thoroughfare" at the entrance to the private lane."

How to use thoroughfare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA main road or route that lets traffic pass through, often used for busy streets or highways.

Common pairings

a busy thoroughfare main thoroughfare no thoroughfare

Word forms

thoroughfares plural

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Oxford Street is one of London's busiest _____.

Etymology

From Middle English thurghfare, literally "a way through" — thorough (through) plus fare (a going, a journey).

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for thoroughfare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

See all rhymes for thoroughfare →

Frequently asked questions

What does “thoroughfare” mean?

The word “thoroughfare” means a public road or street that runs through an area, connecting one place to another. In plain terms, a main road or route that lets traffic pass through, often used for busy streets or highways.

How do you pronounce “thoroughfare”?

“Thoroughfare” is pronounced THUH-ruh-fair (/ˈθʌɹəfɛː/ in IPA).

How do you use “thoroughfare” in a sentence?

Here is “thoroughfare” used in a sentence: “Oxford Street is one of London's busiest thoroughfares.”

What part of speech is “thoroughfare”?

“Thoroughfare” is a noun.

Where does the word “thoroughfare” come from?

The word “thoroughfare” comes from Middle English. From Middle English thurghfare, literally "a way through" — thorough (through) plus fare (a going, a journey).

How many meanings does “thoroughfare” have?

“Thoroughfare” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a public road or street that runs through an area, connecting one place to another.