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

• 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

Michael Stull, managing director, ManpowerGroup UK, said there is not a significant pathway into citizenship in many of the Gulf states. —Emma Graham,hugh Leask, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025

And Hamas’ belief in the legitimacy of armed resistance as the pathway to its aims appears as rock-solid as ever. —Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

The authors recommend combining lab experiments with computer simulations and machine learning to optimize reaction pathways and design bio-carbon for specific functions. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The Maritime Drive housing is still moving forward, but Eden Housing has not yet identified a financial pathway, Liuzzo said. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 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