runway
RUHN-way
Runway (noun) means a paved strip used by aircraft for takeoff and landing. Example: “Passengers watched the jet speed down the runway and lift into the sky.”
noun
1
A paved strip used by aircraft for takeoff and landing.
"Passengers watched the jet speed down the runway and lift into the sky."
"The plane taxied to the runway and waited for clearance."
"Fog forced the airport to close its main runway for an hour."
2
A narrow raised platform models walk along during a fashion show.
"The models strutted down the runway in bright, flowing dresses."
"Photographers lined both sides of the runway to catch every outfit."
"The designer's new collection debuted on the runway in Milan."
3
The amount of time a company can keep operating before its cash reserves run out.
"With so little runway left, the founders had to cut costs quickly."
"The new investment gave the company another year of runway."
"The startup had about six months of runway left before it needed new funding."
How to use runway
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strip for planes to take off/land, a fashion-show catwalk, or (in business) how long a company's money will last.
Common pairings
clear for the runway
hit the runway
have six months of runway
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Word forms
- Plural
- runways
Fill the gap
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Passengers watched the jet speed down the _____ and lift into the sky.
Etymology
Formed from run + way.
Related words
Rhymes for runway
See all rhymes for runway →Frequently asked questions
What does “runway” mean?
The word “runway” means a paved strip used by aircraft for takeoff and landing. In plain terms, a strip for planes to take off/land, a fashion-show catwalk, or (in business) how long a company's money will last.
How do you pronounce “runway”?
“Runway” is pronounced RUHN-way (/ˈɹʌnweɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “runway” in a sentence?
Here is “runway” used in a sentence: “The plane taxied to the runway and waited for clearance.”
What is another word for “runway”?
Words with a similar meaning to “runway” include airstrip.
What part of speech is “runway”?
“Runway” is a noun.
Is “runway” a common word?
“Runway” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “runway” have?
“Runway” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a paved strip used by aircraft for takeoff and landing.
What is the difference between a runway and a taxiway at an airport?
A runway is the paved strip aircraft use specifically for taking off and landing. A taxiway is a separate path connecting the runway to terminals, hangars, and parking areas, allowing aircraft to move around on the ground.
What is the difference between a runway and a catwalk in fashion?
Both refer to the narrow raised platform that models walk along during a fashion show. "Runway" is the more common term in American English, while "catwalk" is often preferred in British English.
What is the difference between a runway and an airstrip?
A runway is the specific paved strip used for takeoff and landing, usually part of a larger airport. An airstrip is typically a simpler, smaller, or more basic landing strip, sometimes unpaved and without extensive facilities.
