avenue

[av-uh-nyoo, -noo]

noun

1. a wide street or main thoroughfare.

2. a means of access or attainment.

   avenues of escape; avenues to greater power.

3. a way or means of entering into or approaching a place.

   the various avenues to India.

4. Chiefly British.

   1. a wide, usually tree-lined road, path, driveway, etc., through grounds to a country house or monumental building.

   2. a suburban, usually tree-lined residential street.

avenue

/ ˈævɪˌnjuː /

noun

1. 1. a broad street, often lined with trees

   2. (capital as part of a street name) a road, esp in a built-up area

      Shaftesbury Avenue

2. a main approach road, as to a country house

3. a way bordered by two rows of trees

   an avenue of oaks

4. a line of approach

   explore every avenue

Word History and Origins

Origin of avenue¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French, literally, “approach,” noun use of feminine past participle of avenir, from Latin advenīre “to come to.” See a- ⁵, venue

Word History and Origins

Origin of avenue¹

C17: from French, from avenir to come to, from Latin advenīre, from venīre to come

Synonym Study

See street.

Example Sentences

BBC Scotland News tried several avenues to obtain information about the arrests.

From BBC

The decision, however, still allows judicial blocks through certain legal avenues.

From BBC

Bike racing has not just given Reggie Miller a competitive outlet, it’s provided an avenue for addressing issues of importance to him, among them equality, inclusion and social justice.

From Los Angeles Times

"She went into a massive downward spiral. I tried to get her involved in many different support networks, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, other avenues, but they didn't really work."

From BBC

By comparison, Florida’s statutes can leave victims with fewer avenues, particularly for civil recourse, leaving them reliant on criminal prosecution that may be slow or inconsistent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boulevard 
• channel 
• entrance 
• outlet 
• pathway 
• promenade 
• road 
• route 
• thoroughfare