runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
Synonyms of runwaynext
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
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
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Call it the Michael Rider effect (as Vogue’s Nicole Phelps did in our staff meeting) but nowhere is the runway-to-reality pipeline as tangible as here. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026 The pilot and his electronic warfare officer also struggled with a wet runway at Naval Air Station North Island during their second attempt to land, when winds were creating a tailwind on the landing runway. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 The eclectic styling reflected what designers like Masha Popova and Oscar Ouyang presented on their runway. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026 On Thursday morning, thousands of visitors and over 100 gallerists representing 24 countries wafted into the maze that is Frieze at the Santa Monica Airport and transformed the space into a winding runway. Tyler Matthew Oyer feb. 27, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for runway

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runway was in 1828

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

runway

noun
run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
1
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

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