runway

noun run·way \ ˈrən-ˌwā \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

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

Craig Green, the British men’s wear designer, sent male models down the runway last year wearing in tropical-themed quilts that were fashioned like ponchos, fringed cowboy shirts and oversize tunics.

— max berlinger, New York Times, "This Old Thing? Quilts Hit the Catwalk," 9 May 2018
The shorts suit has been promoted by designer Thom Browne (right) who wears his year-round and has been sending $3,000-ish versions down the runway for over a decade.

— jacob gallagher, WSJ, "11 Burning Questions About Men’s Shorts, Answered," 8 May 2018
The girls strutted down the runway to Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj songs.

— gabriel poblete, miamiherald, "Hat's Off luncheon raises money to send 150 girls to summer camp | Miami Herald," 7 May 2018
Two hundred looks paraded down the runway at Spring Studios last week, all of them created by students in Pratt’s 2018 graduating class.

— Vogue, "Five Names to Know from Pratt Fashion’s Class of 2018," 7 May 2018
Lagerfeld sent his crew of skippers and deckhands down the runway, showcasing quintessential French breton crewnecks and sailor trousers.

— mara balagtas, Condé Nast Traveler, "Chanel Outdoes Itself Again With Cruise-Themed Fashion Show," 4 May 2018
During Milan Fashion Week in January, always-at-a-hundred fashion house Versace sent one hell of an attention-grabbing sneaker down the runway.

— tyler watamanuk, GQ, "Those Wild Versace x 2 Chainz Sneakers Are Finally Here," 26 Apr. 2018
Its casting is always notably, radically diverse, with models of all shapes and backgrounds making their way down the runway in the brand's futuristic swimsuits, as designer Becca McCharen-Tran envisioned them.

— halie lesavage, Glamour, "Chromat's Becca McCharen-Tran on Curvy Mannequins, Size Inclusivity, and That Major Nordstrom Buy," 16 Apr. 2018
Her entire look is straight from Gucci's Fall 2018 show, where heads were rolling (literally) down the runway.

— alex warner, Marie Claire, "Rihanna Looked Completely Unrecognizable at Coachella," 16 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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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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runway

Definition of runway

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First Known Use of runway

RUNWAY Defined for English Language Learners

runway

Definition of runway for English Language Learners

RUNWAY Defined for Kids

runway

Definition of runway for Students

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RUNWAY Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of runway for English Language Learners

RUNWAY Defined for Kids

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Definition of runway for Students

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