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 Commission’s proposed 46% target falls short of that ambition, and of its own analysis, which identifies 50% as the economically optimal pathway to 2040. — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

While Motor Decide helps identify the best motor technology pathway, Motor AI performs the detailed motor design work needed to bring those concepts to life, according to a press release. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

But a rekindling of the past and a rediscovered cassette tape may provide a pathway to a new beginning. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

This four-quarter program is replacing the School of Education’s existing six-quarter Master of Arts in education pathway. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 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