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
: run sense 10b
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
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.
Gucci on Tuesday will unveil a campaign conceived by artistic director Demna — his first communicating his debut collection for the Italian house, which was presented with a runway show in Milan in February. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 Putting on a Muppet show is always an elaborate production involving angles, runways, monitors and sets that make the audience forget that these are puppets. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The pilots could not see the runway and were flying by instruments, Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, said Friday. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The rise of quiet luxury has made many of the clothes on the runways and online look the same. — Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 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

Rhymes for runway

See All Rhymes for runway

Browse Nearby Words

run upon
runway
run wild
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

runway

noun
run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
1
: run entry 2 sense 9a
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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for runway

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about runway

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