through
throo
Through (prep) means moving from one side or end of something to the other. Example: “The train went through the tunnel.”
prep
1
Moving from one side or end of something to the other.
"The train went through the tunnel."
"Sunlight streamed through the window."
"We walked through the forest until we reached the river."
2
By means of, or with the help of.
"She got the job through a friend's recommendation."
"You can book a table through our website or by phone."
"He learned English through films and songs."
adj
1
Finished or done with something.
"I'm through with making excuses for him."
"Are you through with the newspaper, or may I read it?"
"She was through with the course after the final exam."
How to use through
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for movement from one side to another, or for being finished with something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
through the night
get through it
all the way through
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Word forms
- Plural
- throughs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The train went _____ the tunnel.
Etymology
From Old English þurh, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to pass through."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for through
See all rhymes for through →Frequently asked questions
What does “through” mean?
The word “through” means moving from one side or end of something to the other. In plain terms, a word for movement from one side to another, or for being finished with something.
How do you pronounce “through”?
“Through” is pronounced throo (/θɹu/ in IPA).
How do you use “through” in a sentence?
Here is “through” used in a sentence: “The train went through the tunnel.”
What part of speech is “through”?
Depending on how it is used, “through” can be a preposition and an adjective.
Where does the word “through” come from?
The word “through” comes from Old English. From Old English þurh, going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to pass through.".
Is “through” a common word?
“Through” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “through” have?
“Through” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: moving from one side or end of something to the other.
What is the difference between through and threw?
They sound identical but differ completely. 'Through' is a preposition or adverb about passing from one side of something to the other, as in 'through the door.' 'Threw' is the past tense of the verb 'throw,' as in 'she threw the ball.' If you can replace it with 'tossed,' the correct word is 'threw.'
What is the difference between through and across?
'Through' suggests moving into something and out the other side, often within an enclosed or three-dimensional space, as in 'through the forest' or 'through a tunnel.' 'Across' suggests moving over a surface from one side to the other, as in 'across the road.' Choose 'through' when you pass inside or amid something.
What is the difference between through and thorough?
Despite the similar spelling, they are unrelated. 'Through' is a preposition meaning from one side to the other, as in 'through the gate.' 'Thorough' is an adjective meaning complete and careful in every detail, as in 'a thorough inspection.' They are also pronounced differently, with 'thorough' having two clear syllables.
What is an example of 'through' in a sentence?
'The train went through the tunnel' shows movement in one end and out the other. 'She pushed through the crowd' shows passing amid people. 'Sunlight streamed through the window' shows passing from one side of something to the other. Each describes travelling from one side or end to the far side.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing through in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
French officials deployed the army, with hundreds of soldiers joining efforts to contain the inferno, which has ripped through a record 98,000 hectares since January.
From
The Independent · Jul 25, 2026
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