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

Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B's history. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

Will the pursuit of a pathway continue? —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Studies demonstrated clear genomic linkages between resistance genes circulating in farm animals and those identified in human clinical infections--not a theoretical pathway, but a traceable epidemiologic one. —Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Taking time to understand the pathways of reconstructive breast surgery may help support body confidence and emotional well-being during recovery for some individuals after treatment. —Charlotte Observer, 23 June 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