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

The result is a familiar system with modernized numbers and a longer runway before any major changes are expected. —Emma Waldman, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Gus Hudson, the senior deputy general manager for operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, said the facility's winter storm team is already treating runways and taxiways. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026

During the La Jolla events, Fashion Week San Diego brought in models and designers to showcase select looks in an outdoor runway format. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Since founding his brand in 2009, Jacquemus has become famous for runway shows staged in spectacular locations, including a lavender field, a salt mine and the Palace of Versailles. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

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