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

• path
• footpath
• 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

For too many, the diagnosis marks the beginning of years of stress rather than the start of a clear pathway to services. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Hart Park pathways open up, while hardest hit facilities like the stadium will remain closed long-term Pathways and green spaces throughout Hark Park, including the pedestrian bridge from the Farmers Market to the park, have reopened to the public. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025

What distinguishes two states is not closeness to realization or a workable pathway to success but a long record of failure that ended in death, desolation, and despair. —Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

Visit The Butterfly Garden Meander over to the M Block Park, part of a linear park and pathway extending all the way from the wetland preserve south to Turtle Bale Green overlooking the Gulf. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pathway

• neural pathway

Rhymes for pathway

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

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