runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

a

: a beaten path made by animals

b

: a passageway for animals

2

: a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

a

: a narrow platform from a stage into an auditorium

b

: a platform along which models walk in a fashion show

4

: run sense 10b

5

: the area or path along which a jumper, pole-vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

Examples of runway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Palvin, 33, returned to the runway decked out in sparkling diamonds only six weeks after giving birth to her first daughter with husband Dylan Sprouse. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Some of the most jaw-droppingly stunning women on the planet walked the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Sunday night. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

The flip side is a longer runway in which retailers have to keep customers interested in merchandise that has been sitting on shelves for months. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Season after season, diversity has remained central to its runway, and this season was no different. — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

: run entry 2 sense 9a

2

: a paved strip of ground (as at an airport) for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

: a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs