What does throughway mean?
A throughway is a road or route that carries travelers through a place while continuing onward toward other destinations. Although the word can describe any route that provides passage through an area, its usual implication is a principal road with a clear, relatively direct course. In ordinary North American usage, it is close to “highway,” “expressway,” and the shortened spelling “thruway,” but it often emphasizes the route's passage through an intervening place rather than simply the size or speed of the road. The word can also serve a broader figurative purpose, as when a company or institution is described as a throughway for information or commerce. For general audiences, “throughway” is a useful alternative when “highway” would sound too broad or when the continuing route through a location is the central point.
nounA highway or major route that passes through a place or connects locations by continuing onward. The term can also refer more generally to a direct route through an area.
- A highway or major route that passes through a place or connects locations by continuing onward.
"The new highway serves as a major throughway across the valley."
"Traffic congestion on the city's main throughway delayed the evening commute."
"The old throughway provides a direct route through the mountains without passing through the larger towns."
The plural is throughways, though the word is often used in the singular when one prominent route is in view.
"The two throughways provide direct access to the industrial district."
Throughway puts the journey before the destination: it is the route that keeps carrying you onward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does throughway come from?
English formed throughway in the mid-19th century by combining through and way. Through continues Old English þurh, while way continues Old English weg; the older element also underlies related forms such as thorough, thoroughfare, and throughout.
How throughway is actually used
The word is chiefly used in North American English. It is neutral in register but less common than “highway” or “expressway”; British usage more often favors “through road” or a more specific term.
Easily confused with throughway
Both words have the same meaning, but “thruway” is a shortened spelling, while “throughway” preserves the full form of “through.”
A thoroughfare is a street or passage through a place, whereas a throughway usually suggests a major road that continues through or beyond the area.