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

Look to Lady Gaga’s recent Mayhem-era style or the Thom Browne spring runway for inspo. —Loren Savini, Allure, 10 Jan. 2026

Jane and Darlene have both cried on the runway recently. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2026

Showing off jets on runways and multiple units together in one place appears to be intentional messaging from Beijing. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

She's returned to the runway for the brand several times since, including a sparkling strut this past September at age 80. —Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 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