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

Iman’s runway hair had the same components but resembled a hood of hair with long extensions and extra-large icicle earrings that reached from the top of her BumpIt to her shoulders. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025

At age 65, Austin walked the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

While the arrest did cause severe kidney and liver damage, ECMO afforded a long enough runway for dialysis and other treatments that gradually brought those vital organs back into functional condition. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025

Lady Gaga and Anya Taylor-Joy both hopped aboard the look in 2025; Seán McGirr sent it down the McQueen runway. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025

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