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

• footpath
• path
• trace
• track
• 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

The Trump White House opened a pathway for states to seek work requirements for Medicaid enrollees. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024

Hudson had a heart ablation performed to stop that extra pathway. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Nov. 2024

For a slightly less-complicated pathway to move abroad, here are the countries with retirement visas. —Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2024

Netting a total of 93 electoral college votes between them, winning the close races in these states forms the pathway for Trump and Harris towards the White House. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pathway

• neural pathway

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