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

Runway safety areas are graded extensions of the runway typically used when an aircraft overruns, undershoots or veers off the side of the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 4 Oct. 2024

For the occasion, Ronan opted for a runway design courtesy of Louis Vuitton‘s cruise 2025 collection. —Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024

Airport runway capacity remains arguably the most significant constraining factor limiting growth in flight operations. —London School Of Economics, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Sunday Rose Kidman Urban has made her runway debut — and some commenters can't get over how different her accent is from her mom's. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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