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

Another round of snow landed in the Chicago area and parts of Northwest Indiana overnight, creating some slick conditions and causing a slushy mess on some pathways. —Sara MacHi, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025

Donations help support Denver Kids advising program, volunteer mentoring, youth pathways and student engagement. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

The session broke up without a concrete pathway on how the United States will proceed. —Defense Priorities, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Seasonal music, live entertainment, and illuminated pathways merge nature with artistry, creating a winter wonderland filtered through Florida's subtropical lens. —Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 5 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