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.
The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 His 2026 runway show, the gorgeous Eterno, doubled as a fashion film and a celebration of Latino joy during times of turmoil, with performances from Latin Mafia, Mon Laferte, Lunay, and more. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026 Just this week, Alexander Skarsgård wore one of his dreamy new gold suits straight off the runway. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 While in New York for Fashion Week, Giulia stepped into the Calvin Klein atelier to discover a rack holding her wedding dress alongside her looks for the brand’s runway show. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 10 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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