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

• 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

Loria told Fortune that her district and others nationwide are adopting academy models that blend college, trades, and direct career pathways, giving students options beyond the four-year university pipeline. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025

However, biofuel production might turn this pathway into a tool for renewable energy, since fats can be converted into fuel. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025

In June, director of scouting and recruitment James Smith left for Everton after 11 years at the club, and, in July, Gavin Fleig left his role as director of talent management and development pathways to take over as chief executive at Salford City. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

These tariffs threaten to kneecap an emerging sector of innovation around the world, that is, for the first time, using traditional startup strategies and pathways to innovate, scale and grow. —Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 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