# runway

/ˈɹənˌweɪ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌnweɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/runway
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. for aircraft

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. fashion/modelling

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. business finance

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. athletics

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The plane waited on the runway for ten minutes.
- The pilot carefully aligned the aircraft with the runway lights during the heavy rainstorm.
- As the first model stepped onto the runway, the flashing lights and rhythmic music transformed the industrial warehouse into a high-fashion venue.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.