English Reference

Word

runway

Phoneticsrun·way, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɹənˌweɪ/

UK/ɹˈʌnweɪ/

Definitions

01for aircraft

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a long, hard surface at an airport where planes take off and land.

n. a defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft.

“The pilot waited for permission from the tower before moving the plane onto the runway.”

“Heavy snowfall forced the airport authorities to close the main runway for several hours while de-icing crews cleared the tarmac.”

02fashion/modelling

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. a narrow platform that models walk along during a fashion show.

n. a narrow walkway, often elevated, extending from a stage into an auditorium, used by models to display garments.

“The models walked down the runway wearing the designer's new spring collection.”

“The fashion house opted for a minimalist runway design to ensure the audience remained focused entirely on the intricate textures of the clothing.”

Synonyms

03business finance

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal · Technical

n. the amount of time a new company can keep operating before it runs out of money.

n. the amount of time a startup can remain solvent assuming its current spending and income levels remain constant.

“The company has about six months of runway left to find a new investor.”

“By reducing monthly overheads, the founders managed to extend their runway, giving the engineering team more time to finalise the product launch.”

Synonyms

cash runway

04athletics

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a short track where athletes run to gain speed before a jump or throw.

n. a designated track used by athletes to build momentum prior to a jump or a javelin throw.

“The long jumper sprinted down the runway and took off perfectly from the board.”

“The official noticed a slight tear in the synthetic surface of the runway, which could have compromised the athletes' grip during the approach.”

Synonyms

approach track

Etymology

From run + way.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

AviationFinance

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference