runway

noun

run·way | \ ˈrən-ˌwā

How to pronounce runway (audio)

\

Definition of runway

1a : 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

3a : 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 Speaking of the runway, the piece made a comeback at Chanel’s spring 2021 show, strung across a bodysuit or a pair of trousers. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "The Chain Belt Is Poised To Be the Accessory of Summer," 30 Apr. 2021 This was underscored on April 17, when a small plane crashed short of the runway, according to the station, and while the pilot was able to walk away, the plane sat on the Powell’s property for days. — Anna Caplan, Dallas News, "After crash landing, McKinney couple wants the city to buy their airport-adjacent property," 29 Apr. 2021 After one last check of their engines, the three planes taxied to the end of the runway and took to the skies above central Ohio. — Luke Sharrett, NBC News, "Celebrating the 'greatest generation': Re-enactment marks 100th birthday of WWII veteran," 27 Apr. 2021 Plus, there's a lot of runway between now and next November on which other issues could emerge. — Scott Jennings, CNN, "How the GOP can confront Biden's left-wing presidency," 26 Apr. 2021 Huge federal pandemic spending has given Shawmut and others their first bit of runway to return medical manufacturing to the U.S., providing a preview of what broader trade and industrial reform could mean. — David Z. Morris, Fortune, "COVID exposed global supply chain flaws. Can Biden bring manufacturing back to the U.S.?," 23 Apr. 2021 With only slightly more than 2% of China’s 308 million smokers using e-cigarettes—compared to nearly a third of the 34 million smokers in the U.S. in 2019—RLX has plenty of runway. — Giacomo Tognini, Forbes, "How This Chinese Vaping Billionaire Became One Of The World’s Richest Women In Three Years," 12 Apr. 2021 The plane reportedly had to turn around shortly after takeoff and crashed about 200 yards short of the runway. — Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, "Video shows small plane crash into car on Florida street, killing 3," 16 Mar. 2021 But there is light at the end of the runway, especially with the shares falling so significantly. — Laura Forman, WSJ, "Stitch Fix Trips on Its Own Heels," 9 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'runway.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

3 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 11 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for runway

runway

noun

English Language Learners Definition of runway

: a long strip of ground where airplanes take off and land

US : a raised structure along which models walk in a fashion show

See the full definition for runway in the English Language Learners Dictionary

runway

noun

run·way | \ ˈrən-ˌwā

\

Kids Definition of runway

1 : a path beaten by animals in going to and from feeding grounds

2 : a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

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