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

Getty Images To uncover the most beautiful airport landings in the world, AllClear Travel Insurance analyzed 32 airports around the world known for the dazzling views ahead of the runway. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

In a revealing interview, the great American designer holds forth on his LVMH sale, past scandals, and exactly—or maybe not so exactly—what his next chapter will mean for his runway collections. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026

The Row’s comb necklace graced the runway a few seasons ago and spawned the creation of many more. — Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

During an April flight test in Southern California, the runway-independent drone tested electronic warfare capabilities and beyond-line-of-sight command and control alongside Marine Corps fighters. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

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