Word
airway
Phoneticsair·way, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌweɪ/
UK/ˈeəweɪ/
Countable noun Medicine
Definition
n. the passage in your body that allows air to go in and out of your lungs. You need to keep this clear so you can breathe properly.
n. the passage through which air reaches the lungs, including the nose, mouth, and throat. Often used in medical contexts regarding emergency resuscitation or respiratory health.
Examples
“The doctor checked the patient's airway to make sure they could breathe.”
“During the first aid course, we learned how to tilt the head back to open a person's airway.”
“The medical team worked quickly to clear the patient's obstructed airway, as any prolonged lack of oxygen could lead to irreversible brain damage or cardiac arrest.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor checked the patient's airway to make sure they could breathe.”
contextual
“During the first aid course, we learned how to tilt the head back to open a person's airway.”
complex
“The medical team worked quickly to clear the patient's obstructed airway, as any prolonged lack of oxygen could lead to irreversible brain damage or cardiac arrest.”
Usage
Often used in the singular when referring to the general path of breath, but pluralized when discussing specific anatomical structures.
Real-World Examples
“The effects of mold are especially hard on the developing airways of children.” “In healthy people, these cells pack together and "jam" up to form a solid, stable lining that protects the airways.” Etymology
From air + way.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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