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

Places like Saba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island with no beaches, no cruise ports, and the world’s shortest commercial runway—just 400 meters long. —AFAR Media, 30 May 2026

Today’s new wave of halter tops feels grown-up and refined, reimagined in sleek, streamlined shapes that have become fixtures everywhere from the runway to the red carpet — and across the vacation wardrobes defining Euro-summer style. —Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 30 May 2026

From the Parisian runways to the deli of your local Publix, that is fashion. —Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026

Emma Stone is all smiles at the Artestar presentation celebrating the Keith Haring x Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 runway collection in New York City on May 29. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 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