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

These add to the key role of speed, as Sullivan pointed to how the first 48 to 72 hours after a runway show remain critical for visibility, engagement and virality. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025

Other mishaps, including near-misses and runway incursions, have contributed to an erosion of Americans’ confidence about flying. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Alex Consani, who made her own history last year by becoming the first trans woman to walk the runway, returned this year. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025

The annual event, a fusion of runway shows and live performances, kicked off in 2022 as a way of reinvigorating New York Fashion Week post-pandemic. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

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