Great White Way

noun

: a street brilliantly lighted at night and devoted chiefly to public amusements (as theaters)
their Great White Ways flooded with pleasure-seekersYale Review
theaters flanking a dozen Great White WaysLandscape

Word History

Etymology

from the Great White Way, nickname for the theatrical section of Broadway in New York City

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Great White Way was in 1902

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Great White Way

Cite this Entry

“Great White Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Great%20White%20Way. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!