pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpäth-

1

: path, course

2

: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another

also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels

3

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways

Synonyms of pathway

• path
• footpath
• trail

Examples of pathway in a Sentence

We walked along a winding pathway.

we parked our car near a rambling pathway that led down to the pond

Recent Examples on the Web

Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a 20-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor from downtown Sarasota to the city of Venice, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Brands like Children of Earth are improving neurocosmetics, formulating products based on ingredients affecting skin stress pathways and sensory experience. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Sessions typically begin with the areas closest to the lymph nodes to clear pathways first, then move fluid from the rest of the body toward those nodes. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

President David Goldberg agrees that simply mandating a new test is not enough and a clear pathway to address challenges identified by the assessment is needed. — Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pathway

• neural pathway

Rhymes for pathway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpȧth-

: path

Medical Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā, ˈpȧth- 

1

: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another

also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels

2

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways