pathway

noun

path·way ˈpath-ˌwā

ˈpäth-

Synonyms of pathway

: path, course

: 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

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

This approach can help preserve businesses and honor owners' legacies by providing them with an exit pathway. — Evan Edwards, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 But top officials have also broadened restrictions for legal immigration pathways. — Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Dining unfolds in the former detention center, where the accused were held before trial—a grand building accessed via a zigzag of white pathways surrounded by flowers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 During perimenopause, as estrogen plummets, that production pathway goes into hyperdrive, which quickly fatigues the fibroblasts, cells in the connective tissue tasked with making collagen. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathway

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of pathway was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pathway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathway. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

pathway

noun

path·way ˈpath-ˌwā

ˈpȧth-

: path

Medical Definition

pathway

noun

path·way ˈpath-ˌwā, ˈpȧth-

: 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

: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another

metabolic pathways

pathway

noun

Synonyms of pathway

Examples of pathway in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

pathway

noun

Synonyms of pathway

Examples of pathway in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing pathway

Rhymes for pathway

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes