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

Early jockeying could begin shortly after the midterms, but candidates with stronger name ID may have a longer runway. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 June 2026

An American Airlines flight headed to Bermuda aborted its takeoff in Miami Saturday evening after a business jet entered the same runway, getting as close as a third of a mile apart at one point. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

The 44-year-old singer's children, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, made a rare joint public appearance at Paris Men's Fashion Week after TMZ reported that the two would achieve a runway milestone together during the days-long sartorial event overseas. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

Actress Sharon Stone also walked the runway in a black-and-white ensemble, while North West, the eldest daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and Colombian singer Maluma attended the show. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

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