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

Mucus is a gel-like layer of the airway that protects it from bacteria and other substances inhaled (breathed in).1 Healthy mucus consists of 95% water. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

An asthma attack occurs when a trigger causes changes in the airway that obstruct normal airflow and make breathing difficult.2 During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airway constrict (tighten) or spasm, narrowing the airways. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 9 Oct. 2024

These bacteria attach to the cilia -- the tiny, hair-like structures found on the surface of some cells --of the upper respiratory system that help clear mucous and other debris in the airway, and release toxins. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2024

Iran responded by sending planeloads of food and allowing Qatar airways to fly over its land. —Allen Fromherz / Made By History, TIME, 30 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