runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

a

: a beaten path made by animals

b

: a passageway for animals

2

: a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

a

: a narrow platform from a stage into an auditorium

b

: a platform along which models walk in a fashion show

4

: run sense 10b

5

: the area or path along which a jumper, pole-vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

Examples of runway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fox wore the shoes a look from the brand’s spring 2026 runway collection. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

That’s a much shorter runway than with a regular student loan, where the child has 30 or more years to repay. — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Early jockeying could begin shortly after the midterms, but candidates with stronger name ID may have a longer runway. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 June 2026

Nicolas Pepe was credited with the assist after a beautiful one touch pass at the corner of the box to set up Diallo’s runway. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

Kids Definition

runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

: run entry 2 sense 9a

2

: a paved strip of ground (as at an airport) for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

: a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs