Definition

Proper noun: 1. A major thoroughfare in Manhattan, New York City: A famous street that runs the length of Manhattan and passes through Times Square. It is globally renowned as the center of the American commercial theatrical industry. 2. The theatrical industry located on or near this street: By metonymy, "Broadway" refers to the highest level of professional theater in the United States, specifically the productions presented in the large theaters located in the Theater District of Manhattan.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (referring to the street):
  • We walked down Broadway to see the bright lights of Times Square.
  • The parade marched up Broadway for miles.
• Proper noun (referring to the theater industry):
  • She moved to New York with dreams of performing on Broadway.
  • That musical was a smash hit on Broadway for over a decade.

Advanced Usage

• "The Great White Way": A historic nickname for the section of Broadway in the Theater District, originating from the dazzling electric street lights and marquees.
  • The Great White Way comes alive with energy every night.
• "Broadway caliber" or "Broadway-quality": Used to describe a performance, production, or performer of the highest professional standard, comparable to what is seen in Broadway theaters.
  • The local theater company's production was of Broadway quality.

Variants and Related Words

• Broadway musical (n): A musical theater production staged in a Broadway theater.
  • "Hamilton" is a groundbreaking Broadway musical.
• Off-Broadway (adj/n): Refers to professional theater productions in New York City presented in smaller theaters than those on Broadway, often more experimental or lower-budget.
• Off-Off-Broadway (adj/n): Refers to the smallest scale of professional or avant-garde theater in New York City, typically in very small venues.

Synonyms

• The Great White Way: (Nickname) The theater district of Broadway.
• The Main Stem: (Historical slang) Broadway, especially the theater section.
• The Street: (Industry jargon) Used within the theater community to refer to Broadway.

Related Phrases

• "To make it to Broadway": To achieve success by having a show produced in a major Broadway theater or by performing in one.
  • After years of touring, the play finally made it to Broadway.
• "Broadway bound": Describes a show that is intended for or on its way to being produced on Broadway.
  • The show is finishing its out-of-town tryouts and is Broadway bound.

Noun

1. a street in Manhattan that passes through Times Square; famous for its theaters