runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In theater seating orientation, guests faced a runway stage that had three two-story-high 'books' as a set. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The runway was built as part of the Everglades Jetport plan to build a massive airport in the Everglades that would serve South Florida and the Gulf coast. Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025 On July 25, 2000, an Air France plane that had been chartered by a tour group struck a piece of debris on the runway at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 June 2025 KeyBanc initiates Cisco as overweight KeyBanc said Cisco has a long runway for growth. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 26 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on runway

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