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

Beneath the sandstone cliffs of Diriyah, on a runway at the UNESCO World Heritage site, models strutted couture from Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, giving the recent Riyadh Fashion Week global cache. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025

There are also more obstacles, including buildings and other aircraft, vehicles, and even animals on the runway. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

The Indiana Fever guard took notice of fellow WNBA player Angel Reese’s runway debut at the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

The Coperni show in Paris wasn't her first time walking a runway, Jenner noted. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

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