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

While challenges remain around cost, efficiency, and infrastructure, hydrogen offers a flexible, scalable pathway to decarbonising parts of the economy, where fossil fuels currently dominate. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025

When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as cortisol, which activates reward and addiction pathways in your brain. —Dr. Amy Tran, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025

According to the prosecutor's office, Ameye is a program coordinator of Youth Rise, an academic readiness and career pathways program at Passaic County Community College and Davicsin is a middle school teacher in Elizabeth. —Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025

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
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

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