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

Previously, the small runway could only handle helicopters and small turboprop planes from Reykjavik and other settlements in Greenland. —David Nikel, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

During Paris Fashion Week, Kidman wore a similar all-black ensemble at the Balenciaga womenswear spring/summer 2025 runway show. —Chiara Kim, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Flats have taken over everywhere, from the runway to the street. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

Related Articles For the red carpet, Williams drew sartorial inspiration from the runway. —Julia Teti, WWD, 2 Dec. 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