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

There is a lot to see that’s new besides fashion heading down the runways. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Chiuri’s runway was encased by a reflective glass structure, which some observers presumed was a device to prevent protester interventions. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 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