runway

noun run·way \ ˈrən-ˌwā \

Updated on: 8 Apr 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

The separates themselves were also noteworthy: The exaggerated shoulders were in line with the ’80s power suiting that dominated the Fall 2018 runways, and the generous proportion gave Jenner room to go skintight with her trousers.

— maria ward, Vogue, "Kendall Jenner Reinvents Girlboss Style With This Unexpected Accessory," 5 Apr. 2018
Presley, who graduated from Malibu High School last year, has also become a runway regular, strutting for brands like Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Burberry.

— brooks barnes, Town & Country, "How Cindy Crawford Became the Ultimate Model Matriarch," 4 Apr. 2018
In recent years, sneakers have been featured on high-fashion runways, most notably with French brand Céline’s Air Force 1-inspired shoes.

— samantha cooney, Time, "Nike Helped Create Sneaker Culture. Now it’s Catering to Female ‘Sneakerheads’," 27 Mar. 2018
Bomber jackets continue to rule runways, and from designer Mike Amiri comes this varsity baseball jacket in brilliant blue satin with leather trim.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "Spruce up your spring wardrobe with these standout fashion and beauty items," 22 Mar. 2018
While some of the cargo was recovered from the runway, much of it was lost as much as 16 miles from the airport.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Plane Loses 7 Tons of Gold After Door Blows Off During Takeoff," 16 Mar. 2018
The plane lost altitude and crashed in an orchard not far from the runway, killing the pilot and the aide.

— thom patterson, CNN, "Inside the Kennedy family 'curse'," 15 Mar. 2018
Seconds later, the plane crashed into a field beside the runway, erupting in flames and leaving 49 of the 71 people on board dead.

— binaj gurubacharya, BostonGlobe.com, "Nepal plane crash came after confused pilot-airport chatter," 13 Mar. 2018
Khaki Capers While capes of all shades came down the runways, beige ones particularly appealed.

— rebecca malinsky and rory satran, WSJ, "A Complete Guide to Fall’s Best Women’s Fashion Trends," 9 Mar. 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

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

Recent Examples of runway from the Web

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

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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