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

Two of the four runways are shut down, as well as a stretch of 67th Avenue along the perimeter due to the crash scene. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

The league likely still has long runway to better monetize its fanbase. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The plane went about 1,300 feet past the runway, crashing into vehicles both inside and outside the airport perimeter. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

At Heirlome, for example, Stephanie Suberville will weave Mexican woodcarving into her first runway presentation, while CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominee Aisling Camps has discovered the beauty in upcycling. — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 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