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.
If a growth plan’s cash flow relies on past conversion velocity, the company will burn its runway before revenue arrives. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The Bureau Betak founder, who has produced some of the most memorable runway set designs in recent years, has a different type of immersive show on the horizon. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 The runway ghosts This shift in Halloween’s long-term relevance has been dominated by the vintage sector as gay Halloween ups the caliber of IYKYK references. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 Those who create compelling reasons for people to come together in the physical world have an enormous runway ahead. — Davis Noell, Fortune, 25 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 27 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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