How to pronounce thoroughfare
Say it like THUR-roh-fair. Thoroughfare has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce thoroughfare. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- THUR
- roh
- fair
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Thoroughfare pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- THURSay this part loudest and longest.
- rohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- fairGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of thoroughfare
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: THUHR-uh-fair.
What does thoroughfare mean?
- A passage; a way through.
- A road open at both ends or connecting one area with another; a highway or main street.
- The act of going through; passage; travel, transit.“The sign leading to the other carriage reads: No thoroughfare.”
Where does thoroughfare come from?
From Middle English thurghfare, corresponding to thorough- (“through”) + fare.
Questions about saying thoroughfare
How do you pronounce thoroughfare?
Say THUR-roh-fair. The American pronunciation is /ˈθɜroʊˌfɛr/. In British English it is /ˈθʌrəfɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in thoroughfare?
Thoroughfare has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (THUR). Broken into parts: THUR · roh · fair.
Is thoroughfare pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈθʌrəfɛə/ (THUHR-uh-fair).