airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā 

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

: airline

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

Signs of anaphylaxis may include skin reactions, low blood pressure, a constricted airway or wheezing, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness.1 Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025

The test may show airflow limitation—an inability to exhale normally, even after use of a bronchodilator (medication to open the airways). —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025

Runge said an antibiotic may help treat a bacterial infection acquired after contracting measles, such as pneumonia, and a steroid might be helpful in treating airway disease in asthmatic patients with measles, but neither are cures for the viral infection. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025

Kandil recalls how, in those moments, her son would grunt and clamp down, completely blocking his airway. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing airway

• bilevel positive airway pressure
• continuous positive airway pressure

Rhymes for airway

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

Kids Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

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

: airline

Medical Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

: 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