runway

[ ruhn-wey ]

noun

1. a way along which something runs.
2. a paved or cleared strip on which planes land and take off.
3. a similar strip on which cars, trucks, or the like may park, load, or enter the stream of traffic.
4. the beaten track or habitual path of deer or other wild animals.
5. a fairly large enclosure in which domestic animals may range about:

   a runway for dogs.

6. the bed of a stream.
7. Bowling. approach ( def 17b ).
8. a narrow platform or ramp extending from a stage into the orchestra pit or into an aisle, as in a theater.

runway

/ ˈrʌnˌweɪ /

noun

1. a hard level roadway or other surface from which aircraft take off and on which they land
2. an enclosure for domestic animals; run
3. forestry a chute for sliding logs down
4. a narrow ramp extending from the stage into the audience in a theatre, nightclub, etc, esp as used by models in a fashion show

Word History and Origins

Origin of runway¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; run + way ¹

Example Sentences

“They can show in a traditional runway format, they can show in a presentation, they can do incredible pop-up activations.”

From Los Angeles Times

Since then, Miró has stayed true to her values while making it to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finals, and showing her first upcycled runway collection at New York Fashion Week in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

The domestic airport's runway was temporarily closed but it has since reopened.

From BBC

Taylor, in black with gold trim, was more understated in her ring walk but still soaking up the atmosphere as she sauntered down the runway without any real urgency.

From BBC

Back then — I don’t even know if they still do this — they had these big flatscreens in the stores playing the runway show on loop.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• airstrip
• path
• platform
• ramp
• road
• tarmac