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

The group, including Spain, Cape Verde and Uruguay, poses a simpler pathway for Saudi Arabia to advance than in years past. —Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 9 June 2026

For local leaders, the goal is for the Arena at Southlake to become both a regional entertainment destination and a pathway to careers for future generations of Clayton County students. —La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Reducing weight also reduces the pathways by which obesity fuels cancer, explains Bernard Fuemmeler, associate director of population science at the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and a co-author of the breast cancer study and the colorectal cancer study presented at ASCO. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 8 June 2026

Scientists believe the treatment works by engaging neuromodulatory systems in the brain, particularly pathways involving norepinephrine and acetylcholine. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 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