runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
Synonyms of runwaynext
1
a
: a beaten path made by animals
b
: a passageway for animals
2
: a paved strip of ground on a landing field for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
3
a
: a narrow platform from a stage into an auditorium
b
: a platform along which models walk in a fashion show
4
5
: the area or path along which a jumper, pole-vaulter, or javelin thrower runs

Examples of runway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Her rainbow-and-tinfoil outfit on the runway is another one that is just barely safe. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2026 Feminine Frills Light as air and sweet as can be, romance was in the air whenever these feminine layers floated down the runway. Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 Spring/Summer 2026 runway shows by Versace, Saint Laurent and Valentino emphasized the decade’s maximalism through color blocking and strong shoulders. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026 On March 8, 2024, United Airlines Flight 2477 traveling from Memphis International Airport skidded off the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and landed on its side. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for runway

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runway was in 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

runway

noun
run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
1
2
: a paved strip of ground (as at an airport) for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
3
: a support (as a track, pipe, or trough) on which something runs

More from Merriam-Webster on runway

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