pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpäth-

1

: path, course

2

: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another

also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels

3

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways

Synonyms of pathway

• path
• footpath
• trail

Examples of pathway in a Sentence

We walked along a winding pathway.

we parked our car near a rambling pathway that led down to the pond

Recent Examples on the Web

This is done through the retinohypothalamic tract, a pathway that connects your eyes to the brain’s master body clock, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

The city is proposing a 14-foot-wide paved pathway that parallels Cantrell Road with a five-foot buffer between the path and the street. —Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025

Still, the former Ryder Cup winner acknowledged that LIV’s players are gaining traction in major championship pathways. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

The redistricting measure, which passed resoundingly Tuesday, doesn’t break any ground, chart a fresh course or shed any light on a better pathway forward. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pathway

• neural pathway

Rhymes for pathway

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

Kids Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpȧth-

: path

Medical Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā, ˈpȧth- 

1

: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another

also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels

2

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways