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

For more than two decades, this has been a pathway to a postsecondary education for students who might otherwise be priced out of college. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026

Loyal is pursuing a conditional approval pathway from the FDA, a mechanism designed for exactly this kind of situation, where the drug has passed safety requirements but still needs more time to cook in the study. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

Conventional diagnostic pathways often have long waitlists and multiple clinic visits. —Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 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
• 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