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

Inhaling microplastics has also been noted as potentially damaging to human lungs and airways, with experts suggesting more research is needed to have a clearer idea of the impacts. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Without treatment, anaphylaxis can lead to a blocked airway, cardiac arrest, breathing problems, and shock. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 19 Oct. 2024

Whooping cough — a highly transmissible infection of the lungs and airways that mostly affects babies and young children — is on the rise in the United States. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Some people – especially parents caring for young kids – can’t always identify early symptoms like chest tightness or dizziness with anaphylaxis until more obvious signs like skin rashes or closing airways show up. —Natallie Rocha, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 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