runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

a

: a beaten path made by animals

b

: a passageway for animals

2

: a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

a

: a narrow platform from a stage into an auditorium

b

: a platform along which models walk in a fashion show

4

: run sense 10b

5

: the area or path along which a jumper, pole-vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

Examples of runway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first Home Run Derby where custom bats were used was in 2017 — now the Derby will serve as a runway for Victus’ designs. —Caleb Mezzy, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration moved to permanently restrict helicopter traffic near the airport's runways, but senators said that Congress still has a role to play in responding to the incident. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

For its fall-winter 2025 runway, Saint Laurent debuted oversized ’80s-style earrings, while Chanel and Vaquera both showed gargantuan pearl necklaces. —Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025

Kidman's daughter made her runway debut in October 2024 as part of Miu Miu's spring/summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week show. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for runway

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

Kids Definition

runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā 

1

: run entry 2 sense 9a

2

: a paved strip of ground (as at an airport) for the landing and takeoff of aircraft

3

: a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs