main street

¹ American  

noun

1. the principal thoroughfare, especially through the business district, in a small town.

2. (initial capital letters) the outlook, environment, or life of a small town.

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Main Street ² American  

noun

1. a novel (1920) by Sinclair Lewis.

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Main Street British  

noun

1. the most prominent street of a town, usually where the principal shops and businesses are situated

2. ordinary people in general

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Etymology

Origin of main street

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

At their home, a large one-story villa off a dirt road leading to the town’s main street, Scott introduces me to a lifestyle designed to promote wellness.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

“We buy gold” signs line the town’s main street.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Andresen, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, surged to the front in the main street of Tanunda, near Adelaide.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

We spent around 90 minutes on the main street talking to passers-by.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Almost at the end of the bay, where the tide slammed a sunken boat, we jumped on the main street with our goods tucked under our arms and began the final walk home.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah