airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā 

1

: a passage for a current of air (as in a mine or to the lungs)

2

: a designated route along which airplanes fly from airport to airport

especially : such a route equipped with navigational aids

3

: airline

4

: a channel of a designated radio frequency for broadcasting or other radio communication

Examples of airway in a Sentence

a patient with a partially blocked airway

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, the NWA Tongue Tie Center will offer on-site evaluation and tongue-tie procedures, including frenectomy, and will work in collaboration with therapists and lactation consultants to support optimal feeding, speech and airway outcomes. —Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026

Fiber-rich whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy body weight, which may ease pressure on the airway during sleep, and reduce sleep apnea episodes. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Feb. 2026

The Sacramento skiers dig for his head first, desperate to clear his airway. —Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Researchers will spend years piloting the program alongside other initiatives, such as bringing on advanced airway management to help trauma victims breathe more effectively after a severe injury and administering antibiotics and other medications to help improve patient outcomes. —Meg Cunningham, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing airway

• bilevel positive airway pressure
• continuous positive airway pressure

Rhymes for airway

• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret
• betray

Kids Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

1

: a passage for a current of air

especially : one through which air passes to and from the lungs

2

: a regular route for aircraft

especially : one equipped with aids for guiding aircraft

3

: airline

Medical Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

: a passageway for air into or out of the lungs

specifically : a device passed into the trachea by way of the mouth or nose or through an incision to maintain a clear respiratory passageway (as during anesthesia, convulsions, or in obstructive laryngitis) see upper airway