Definition

A wide street in a city, usually with trees and landscaping, designed for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Example

We took a leisurely stroll down the boulevard, enjoying the shade of the trees.

Conversation

Have you ever walked down that beautiful boulevard downtown?

Yeah, I love how it's lined with trees and flowers.

It's such a nice place to relax and people-watch.

Definitely! We should go there together sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Boulevard is derived from the French word 'boulevard', which originally referred to a rampart or fortification (from 'boulevard' meaning a bulwark or a defensive wall). The term evolved to describe a broad street that was often built on the site of these fortifications. Thus, a boulevard is a wide street that may have originally been a defensive structure.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wide street that was once a protective wall ('boulevard' means a rampart) — this helps you remember that a boulevard is a broad street.

Visually Confused Words