boulevard

[bool-uh-vahrd, boo-luh-]

noun

1. a broad avenue in a city, usually having areas at the sides or center for trees, grass, or flowers.

2. Also called boulevard strip. Upper Midwest.,  a strip of lawn between a sidewalk and the curb.

boulevard

/ ˈbuːlvɑː, -vɑːd /

noun

1. 1. a wide usually tree-lined road in a city, often used as a promenade

   2. ( capital as part of a street name )

      Sunset Boulevard

2. 1. a grass strip between the pavement and road

   2. the strip of ground between the edge of a private property and the road

   3. the centre strip of a road dividing traffic travelling in different directions

Word History and Origins

Origin of boulevard¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from French, Middle French (originally Picard, Walloon ): “rampart, avenue built on the site of a razed rampart,” from Middle Dutch bol(le)werc; bulwark

Word History and Origins

Origin of boulevard¹

C18: from French, from Middle Dutch bolwerc _bulwark ; so called because originally often built on the ruins of an old rampart

Synonym Study

See street.

Example Sentences

To return to the barracks, they had to cross Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main boulevard that either began or ended at the Admiralty, depending on which way you were facing.

Read more on Literature

Currently, traffic from Lincoln and Sepulveda boulevards squeezes eight lanes of cars into a single ramp, creating a persistent choke point.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While marching northward, Roz passed beautiful boulevards and architecture and gardens and art.

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In automatic mode, the car ambles down the boulevard, murmuring, simmering and keeping its immensity hidden from polite society.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Where: The corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice boulevards Event Notes: Attendees are encouraged to bring water, signs and comfortable shoes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artery 
• avenue 
• highway 
• thoroughfare