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

For someone with a clear runway of working years ahead, the Roth’s tax-free growth and withdrawal structure often presents a compelling case. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

After a collision on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia airport left two pilots dead on March 22, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said the TSA lines delayed one of her investigators from reaching the scene by hours. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

Petro has also emphasized the need to modernize the Hercules fleet — military tactical transport aircraft capable of operating from rough, unpaved runways. —ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026

The t-shirt, which appeared on the runway with a different print, was made custom to feature an old promo image of the pop star. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Mar. 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