Boulevard

/ˈbʊləvɑːrd/ noun

Definition

A wide city street, often with trees or a strip of grass in the middle and space for walking.

Etymology

From French “boulevard,” originally meaning a flat rampart or defensive wall, from Old Dutch “bolwerc,” meaning “bulwark” or “fortification.” Over time, cities turned old walls into broad streets.

Kelly Says

Many boulevards began life as military defenses, then got recycled into pleasant walkways and car routes. So when you stroll down a boulevard, you’re literally walking on the ghost of an old city wall.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.