avenue

/ˌævəˈnu/

/ˈævɛnju/

Other forms: avenues

An avenue is a street, especially a wide one lined with trees. An avenue is also any approach to doing something. For example, this web site might be a new avenue you have found for learning words.

The word avenue comes from the French avenir, meaning "to come to, or arrive." The first meaning is simply a wide street. An avenue — or boulevard — is likely to be busy, unlike a quiet side street. The abbreviation is ave., as in Park Ave. Also, an avenue is a way to accomplish something. If you need money but can't get a loan, you'll have to find another avenue.

Definitions of avenue

1. noun

   a wide street or thoroughfare
   synonyms: boulevard

   examples:

   Fifth Avenue

   an avenue in Manhattan that separates the east side of Manhattan from the west side

   Seventh Avenue

   an avenue in Manhattan that runs north and south

   type of:

   street

   a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
2. noun

   a line of approach
   “they explored every avenue they could think of”

   “it promises to open new avenues to understanding”

   type of:

   approach, attack, plan of attack

   ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation