airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Antihistamines to reduce the body's immune response (e.g., diphenhydramine) Bronchodilators to further open the airways (e.g., albuterol or an ipratropium bromide and albuterol combination) Insect Stings Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are caused by exposure to an allergen. Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Sleeping on your side can keep your airways open and reduce snoring. Lindsay Boyers, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2024 Both medications work quickly to relax the muscles along your airways and make breathing easier. Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 2024 Despite this, paramedics were unable to clear Buss’ airways, the outlet added. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for airway 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of airway was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near airway

Cite this Entry

“Airway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airway. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
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

Medical Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on airway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!