airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
1
: a passage for a current of air (as in a mine or to the lungs)
2
: a designated route along which airplanes fly from airport to airport
especially : such a route equipped with navigational aids
3
4
: a channel of a designated radio frequency for broadcasting or other radio communication

Examples of airway in a Sentence

a patient with a partially blocked airway
Recent Examples on the Web Montgomery dislodged an unspecified object from the airway of the baby, who began gasping for air and crying, police said in the social media post. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 This acute physiological response — that includes lowered blood pressure, shock and constriction of the airways — can be deadly. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 Ozone levels can inflame your airways and raise the risks of an asthma attack, among other health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2024 These tiny specks of pollution — generated by fire, vehicular travel and industry — lodge in human airways and are especially harmful to people experiencing or susceptible to heart and lung conditions. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 8 Feb. 2024 Women are more likely than men to develop lung adenocarcinoma (cancer that develops in the cells that line the outside of the lungs) while men are more likely than women to develop squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that develops in the cells that line the inside of the lungs’ airways). Eva Epker, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2023 This helps keep their airway open when moving large amounts of air through their massive bodies and not choke. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024 Mild cases can be resolved with a fast-acting inhaler, which instantly delivers medication that relaxes airway muscles and reduces inflammation. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024 Asthma, upper airway cough syndrome (known as postnasal drip), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory infections, and even allergies can cause a cough to persist. Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of airway was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near airway

Cite this Entry

“Airway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airway. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
1
: a passage for a current of air
especially : one through which air passes to and from the lungs
2
: a regular route for aircraft
especially : one equipped with aids for guiding aircraft
3

Medical Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
: a passageway for air into or out of the lungs
specifically : a device passed into the trachea by way of the mouth or nose or through an incision to maintain a clear respiratory passageway (as during anesthesia, convulsions, or in obstructive laryngitis) see upper airway

More from Merriam-Webster on airway

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