runway

noun run·way \ ˈrən-ˌwā \

Definition of runway

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 10b

5 :the area or path along which a jumper, pole vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

See runway defined for English-language learners

See runway defined for kids

Recent Examples of runway from the Web

Some of the dogs panted inside their crates from the runway heat, but seemed otherwise curious about what was next.

— lynn thompson, The Seattle Times, "Seattle takes in Texas shelter dogs to make room for 4-legged Harvey refugees," 30 Aug. 2017
Some outside observers said launching a road-mobile missile from an airport runway could demonstrate the North’s ability to fire its missiles from anywhere in the country.

— Washington Post, "NKorea leader urges more missile launches targeting Pacific," 29 Aug. 2017
In 2013 Branson Airport LLC sued Burns & McDonnell and other contractors that had worked on a $70 million runway project.

— lynn horsley and steve vockrodt, kansascity, "Mayor accuses council aide of improper contact with representative of KCI bidder," 29 Aug. 2017
And brands like Opening Ceremony and Viktor & Rolf have used dancers in their runway shows, the former even going so far as to use a ballet performance in lieu of a traditional catwalk.

— sophia panych, Allure, "Isabella Boylston's Ballet Sun Valley Brings Together Dance and Fashion in a Gorgeous Way," 21 Aug. 2017
Even if their lives appeared fabulous, the women in the magazine lived in their clothes, and looks from the runways were translated in wearable ways.

— stephen mooallem, Harper's BAZAAR, "Free Love and Fashion," 18 Aug. 2017
Test 3, which began July 23, designates one runway for aircraft arrivals and one for departures for operations between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The plan is subject to safety, weather and maintenance requirements.

— graydon megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst Council sets vote to oppose O'Hare Fly Quiet plan," 15 Aug. 2017
Among them are runway gigs at Miami Swim Week, which runs through July 25.

— andrea januta, miamiherald, "A return to Miami’s former modeling glam? One agency says it’s time," 21 July 2017
Opening Ceremony: Look no further for fresh-off- the-runway footwear.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'runway.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of runway

1828

RUNWAY Defined for English Language Learners

runway

noun

Definition of runway for English Language Learners

: a long strip of ground where airplanes take off and land
: a raised structure along which models walk in a fashion show

RUNWAY Defined for Kids

runway

noun run·way \ ˈrən-ˌwā \

Definition of runway for Students

1 :a path beaten by animals in going to and from feeding grounds

2 :a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

Learn More about runway

See words that rhyme with runway Spanish Central: Translation of runway Nglish: Translation of runway for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of runway for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about runway

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Definition of runway

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Definition of runway for English Language Learners

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runway

Definition of runway for Students

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Definition of runway for English Language Learners

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