fairway

noun

fair·​way ˈfer-ˌwā How to pronounce fairway (audio)
1
a
: a navigable part of a river, bay, or harbor
b
: an open path or space
2
: the closely mowed part of a golf course between a tee and a green

Examples of fairway in a Sentence

Her shot landed at the left side of the fairway.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bryson DeChambeau Wants Another Shot at Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy, Scheffler or DeChambeau: Best Chance at PGA Championship Glory At the 2024 Masters, his hole-out from the fairway on No. 18 lit the Augusta National patrons ablaze. Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 The average proximity numbers — from the fairway, from the rough, overall — all were the most difficult of any course, major or otherwise, in the ’17 season. Justin Ray, New York Times, 14 May 2025 Where fairways turn wild Some 300 miles south of San Geronimo, the former Ocean Meadows Golf Course in Santa Barbara has undergone a similar transformation. Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025 The ball, however, ricocheted off the tree and toward the fairway rather than out of bounds. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fairway

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairway was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fairway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairway. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fairway

noun
fair·​way ˈfa(ə)r-ˌwā How to pronounce fairway (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
: the mowed part of a golf course between a tee and a green

More from Merriam-Webster on fairway

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