noun
Etymology
Origin of boardwalk
Explanation
A boardwalk is a wooden path along a beach. In some places, it’s just a walkway over the marshes, but in others, it’s where all the action is, like in the song from the 1960’s “Under the Boardwalk.” Some boardwalks are simply wooden walkways, built so pedestrians can stroll near the water without damaging seaside plants or getting sand in their shoes. Other boardwalks are much larger commercial areas, often even built with concrete rather than wood. One famous boardwalk, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, gives tourists a place to gamble, eat, drink, and buy souvenirs. This boardwalk is, in fact, considered the first in the US and is credited with inspiring the word itself.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A 2014 audition for the HBO period drama Boardwalk Empire marked a turning point.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
From the Venice Boardwalk to Rodeo Drive and Boyle Heights’ Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, these walks allow you to experience L.A.’s streets and sidewalks by foot.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2024
Oasis's first performance to feature both Gallagher brothers came at the Boardwalk nightclub in the city in 1992, after Noel joined having been a roadie for Oldham band Inspiral Carpets.
From BBC • Aug. 27, 2024
Oasis rehearsed at the Boardwalk, where Mr Haslam performed on a Friday and Saturday night.
From BBC • Aug. 27, 2024
The blocks are bricked off into what we call the Boardwalk.
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
