broadway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Informal (proper noun), Historical/Geographical (common noun)
Quick answer
What does “broadway” mean?
A wide street.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wide street; originally a common noun describing such a road.
Proper noun: Broadway, New York City, the famous theatre district synonymous with professional commercial theatre. Also used to refer to the style or world of large-scale, mainstream professional theatre, especially musicals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'broadway' as a common noun appears in historical texts and persists in many place names (e.g., Broadway in Worcestershire). In modern American English, the uncapitalised form is essentially obsolete except in historical contexts. The proper noun 'Broadway' is understood internationally but has stronger cultural resonance in the US.
Connotations
US: 'Broadway' connotes glamour, commercial theatre, high production values. UK: 'Broadway' (as a place name) connotes a picturesque village; as a theatre term, it imports the American connotations.
Frequency
The proper noun 'Broadway' is high-frequency in AmE cultural contexts, low-frequency in BrE cultural contexts except when discussing US theatre. The common noun 'broadway' is very low-frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “broadway” in a Sentence
[be] on Broadway[make/ have] a Broadway debut[open/ close] on BroadwayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broadway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- A Broadway-style production
- A Broadway transfer
American English
- A Broadway-caliber performer
- The Broadway experience
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the multi-billion dollar theatre industry, ticket sales, production financing.
Academic
Used in theatre history, cultural studies, and urban studies (e.g., 'the economic impact of Broadway').
Everyday
'We got tickets to a Broadway show.' / 'She dreams of performing on Broadway.'
Technical
In theatre, specifies a specific class of professional union contract (e.g., 'Broadway contract') or theatre size/location.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broadway”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broadway”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broadway”
- Using lowercase 'broadway' to refer to the New York theatre district (must be capitalized).
- Pronouncing it as /brɒdweɪ/ instead of /brɔːdweɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the New York theatre district or industry, it is always a proper noun and capitalized. The lowercase 'broadway' is an archaic term for a wide street.
Broadway is the major commercial theatre district in New York City, USA. The West End is the equivalent district in London, UK. They are the two epicentres of English-language commercial theatre.
Yes. While famous for musicals, Broadway theatres also host plays, though they are less common due to higher financial risks and the popularity of musicals.
The nickname originated in the early 20th century due to the extensive use of bright white electric lights on theatre marquees and billboards, making the street dazzle at night.
A wide street.
Broadway is usually formal/informal (proper noun), historical/geographical (common noun) in register.
Broadway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'lights of Broadway' (symbolizing theatrical success)”
- “'Broadway-bound' (a show intended for Broadway)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BROAD + WAY = a broad road. The most famous broad road for theatre is in New York.
Conceptual Metaphor
BROADWAY IS A DESTINATION (for dreams/talent/success)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'off-Broadway'?