thoroughfare
THUR-oh-fair
/ˈθʌrəfeə/
A main road or public highway open at both ends for through traffic.
Emphasizes open, direct transit across or through a city or district.
The story behind the word. Formed from Old English 'thurh' (through) and 'faran' (to travel; the root of 'fare'). Literally signifies 'a path that allows you to travel completely through'.
Word relationships
- artery: Metaphorical term highlighting vital high-volume traffic flow.
- highway: Refers specifically to regional high-speed motor roads.
- cul-de-sac: A route closed at one end.
Commonly confused with
- greenway: A thoroughfare carries heavy transit, whereas a greenway is a vegetated non-motorized trail corridor.
Word family
- thoroughfares (noun): Plural of thoroughfare.
Collocations
- major thoroughfare
- busy thoroughfare
- no thoroughfare
- main thoroughfare
Example sentences
- "Fifth Avenue remains one of the busiest commercial thoroughfares in the city." Urban transportation overview
Memory hook
A THOROUGH FARE lets traffic go THOROUGHLY through town. Thoroughfare = Open main transit road.
When not to use
Do not use for a dead-end street (cul-de-sac) or enclosed court.
Fun facts
- Signs displaying 'No Thoroughfare' in the UK legally indicate private property without public right of passage.
Related words
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