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

• footpath
• path
• trace
• track
• 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

That same day a flurry of executive orders closed down refugee resettlement and other regular pathways for protection. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

In terms of accessibility, the hotel has made many of the pathways wheelchair-friendly, including routes to the swimming pool, restaurant, spa, and all guest rooms. —John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2025

Whether your goal is to enhance team morale or reduce turnover, these strategies offer a clear pathway to a more dynamic and connected workforce. —Archer Chiang, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Students were being sold a false pathway to prosperity from these for-profit colleges, which were often only interested in profits. —Miguel Cardona, Time, 23 Apr. 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