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

The runway show featured fashions in backdrops featuring an Italian city square, a French estate, a wild jungle and the surface of the moon. —Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026

By contrast, the Connectivity segment’s a big money-spinner that boasts an outstanding runway. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 May 2026

Travelers at LaGuardia Airport are facing delays as repairs and additional inspections sparked by a sinkhole discovered on an airport runway will hamper travel on Memorial Day weekend, officials said Friday. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026

Later in the vid, Charli dons a high, messy ponytail and a chic bun, all paired with some seriously glam runway eye shadow via YSL Beauty. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 May 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