c.1600, "a way of approach" (originally a military word), from M.Fr. avenue "way of access," from O.Fr. avenue "act of approaching, arrival," from fem. of avenu, pp. of avenir "to come to, arrive," from L. advenire "to come to," from ad- "to" + venire "to come" (see
venue).
Meaning shifted to "a way of approach to a country-house," usually bordered by trees, hence, "a broad, tree-lined roadway" (1650s), then to "wide, main street" (1858, esp. in U.S.).
COLLAPSE