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

Flights at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport, a major cargo hub, were disrupted during the night after a sighting of a flying object was reported and another object was found near a runway, police said Wednesday. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

To reflect Black fashion’s diversity and innovation, the runway included standout collections and designs from legendary streetwear pioneer Karl Kani, Maria Mootoo, Noni Styles, Gangwani Collection, EMVE, Hellen Sarmiento, and Scohe. — Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Company executives remain hopeful that lessons learned during the -7’s ordeal will clear a faster runway for the -10’s approval later this year. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

Just hasn’t had a great runway as far as staying healthy or getting consistent repetitions. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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