runway

noun

run·​way ˈrən-ˌwā How to pronounce runway (audio)
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 There were 10 near-miss runway collisions from late 2022 to early 2023, according to a National Airspace System safety review report. Leonardo Bevilacqua, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2024 Five people aboard a Japan Coast Guard turboprop lost their lives in early January when the plane ventured onto the runway path of an incoming Airbus A350. Jinshan Hong, TIME, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for runway 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'runway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of runway was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near runway

Cite this Entry

“Runway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/runway. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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