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

Patrick Henry offers its roughly 2,500 students seven different career and college preparation pathways for students, in areas from architecture to engineering to education. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

Vuskovic has seen plenty of Europe during his pathway to the Premier League. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The team has also established a pilot production line with an annual capacity of 10 tons, providing a pathway from laboratory-scale material development toward battery manufacturing. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Relying on foreign aid did not provide fragile states with a pathway to meaningful economic growth. — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 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