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

His Roy Lichtenstein-like bottle-cap appliquéd jacket and a bright orange topper emblazoned with M&M bags jolted the crowd out of their fashion daze at the last Fashion Group luncheon, when his clothes made their runway debut. —Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024

That’s certainly the case at Saks OFF 5TH, where the Saks OFF 5TH Trend Council spends months researching and determining fall trends, pulling from runways and upcoming collections. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Set in the lush Garden of the Royal Library, models graced the runway adorned in Pandora’s latest Essence Collection—a personal favorite of mine for the mixed metal pieces that easily pair and fit with each other when layered. —Kat Thomas, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2024

Photo: United Archives GmbH / Almay Stock Photo Editor’s Note: This year’s Forces of Fashion is focused on fashion runways, a subject of endless fascination that has been considered in print, exhibitions, and of course, film. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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