What does "runway" mean?
A defined, narrow section of land or an artificial structure used for access.
Runway
/ˈɹʌnweɪ/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A defined, narrow section of land or an artificial structure used for access.
- Grammar: runway is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: airstrip, airfield, airstrip, alameda.
- Useful contrasts: backstage, offstage, taxiway.
- Usage evidence: An airplane touched down on the runway.
How to use "runway"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "runway" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "runway" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "runway" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "runway" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "runway" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "airstrip" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "runway", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A defined, narrow section of land or an artificial structure used for access.
"The invention comprehends an inclined runway or cable connected at its upper end in any desirable way to a point adjacent the bin, pocket, or chute to which the coal is to be delivered and connected at its lower end to a post or other point of attachment located at the side of the pile of coal. […] The coal tub or carrier by means of which the coal is conveyed is suspended from and adapted to run along the runway or cable, […]"
- 2 a strip of level paved surface where planes can take off and land wordnet
- 3 The usual path taken by deer or other wild animals, such as from a forest to a water source.
"There is a water-break formed by a small terrace of rock in mid-stream, and purling with a hollow, delicious monotone—an island of pebbles is above, with here and there smaller ones near the "forks." This pebbly island is directly on the runway, or customary trail which the hunted deer pursues through the forests. […] I fix my eyes steadily upon the runway—straining them almost from their sockets—still no deer."
- 4 a narrow platform extending from the stage into the audience in a theater or nightclub etc. wordnet
- 5 A narrow walkway (often on a platform) extending from a stage on which people walk, especially one used by models during fashion shows.
"He halfheartedly paid attention to the flurry of activity on the runway, until a thunderous round of applause suddenly broke out. He then sat up straight, giving his full attention to the striking, attention-grabbing model who'd just strolled onto the runway."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a chute down which logs can slide wordnet
- 7 In javelin, long jump, and similar events: a short track along which athletes can accelerate themselves for their jumps or throws.
"Proper footwear is a must for javelin throwing. To some degree the surface of the runway will dictate the type of shoe."
- 8 a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll wordnet
- 9 A section of land, usually paved, for airplanes to land on or take off from.
"Down at the end of the field when ready for the take-off, I'd taxi the ship off the runway and tell him why I did that—"so as not to block incoming ships," and I'd tell him at the same time why the incoming ship was supposed to land in the first third of the field and why in the take-off we were going all the way to the end of the runway and not try to take off up the middle of the runway."
- 10 The number of months that a startup company can operate by using up its cash reserves. informal
"So, if you have $1.8M in the bank and monthly burn rate of $150,000, you have a runway of 12 months."
- 11 A stream bed.
Example
"An airplane touched down on the runway."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "runway"?
Common synonyms include: airstrip, airfield, airstrip, alameda, apron, beaten path.
How do you use "runway" in a sentence?
An airplane touched down on the runway.
How do you pronounce "runway"?
Pronounced /ˈɹʌnweɪ/.
Etymology
From run + way.