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

Airport officials say the new design increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, currently as little as 257 feet, soon to be about 880 feet, bringing the airport into compliance with FAA standards. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Commercially, however, Louis Vuitton’s offerings positioned the brand as a global luxury powerhouse, with the runway becoming a source of entertainment. — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Taylor’s look follows a burgeoning trend of sculptural looks on the runway and the red carpet. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

The young fashionista, who's fresh off the runway after walking for Dior at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, has also modeled for New York Fashion Week and graced the cover of Elle Australia in March. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 July 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