airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā 

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

: airline

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing airway

• bilevel positive airway pressure
• continuous positive airway pressure

Kids Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

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

: airline

Medical Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

: 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