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.

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

He also played down feminine curves, telling buxom models to wear a breast wrap for his fashion shows, and all models to resist the hip-swinging runway strut.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also the first designer to ban underweight models from the runway, after the death of model Ana Carolina Reston in 2006 from anorexia nervosa.

From BBC

The film’s image-first focus doesn’t give it much runway to explore what motivates Oliver as an artist.

From Los Angeles Times

"High Street brands use runway models to elevate their collections," she reckons.

From BBC

“Our communities are under attack right now, so there’s a disconnect. Just because we’re being represented on a runway, does that mean anything will actually change?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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