Definition

1. Noun:
   • A strip of level paved surface where planes can take off and land: A defined, usually rectangular area on an airport used for the takeoff and landing of aircraft.
   • A narrow platform extending from the stage into the audience in a theater or nightclub etc.: A walkway used by models to present clothing during a fashion show, or a similar platform for performers.
   • A chute down which logs can slide: An inclined channel or track for moving logs, typically from a forested area to a collection point.
   • A bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll: (Technical/dated) The tracks or rails for a railway or similar guided system.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Airport):
  • The airplane taxied to the end of the runway before taking off.
  • The new airport has two parallel runways to handle more air traffic.
• Noun (Fashion/Stage):
  • The model walked confidently down the runway in the latest designer dress.
  • The singer came out on the runway to get closer to the fans.
• Noun (Logging):
  • The logs were sent down the runway to the river below.
• Noun (Railway):
  • The trolley runs along a fixed runway inside the factory.

Advanced Usage

• "To hit the runway": To begin walking on the fashion show catwalk; colloquially, it can mean to arrive (like an aircraft landing).
  • The supermodel hit the runway to great applause.
• "Runway length/clearance": Terms used in aviation to discuss the available distance for aircraft operations.
  • The pilot checked that the runway length was sufficient for the heavy jet.

Variants and Related Words

• Runway show (n): A fashion show where models walk on a runway.
  • The designer's runway show was the highlight of Fashion Week.
• Runway incursion (n): An aviation safety incident involving incorrect presence on a runway.
• Runway threshold (n): The designated beginning of the runway available for landing.

Synonyms

• Airstrip, landing strip, tarmac (for the airport meaning).
• Catwalk, walkway (for the fashion/stage meaning).
• Flume, sluice (for the logging chute meaning).
• Track, rail (for the railway meaning).

Related Phrases

• "On the runway": Literally, positioned on the airport strip or the fashion catwalk.
  • Three planes were lined up on the runway.
  • She spent years preparing to be on the runway.
• "Runway model": A model who specializes in walking in fashion shows.
  • Her dream was to become a runway model.

Related Idioms

• "Clear the runway": Literally, to make the airport runway ready for use; figuratively, to prepare the way or remove obstacles for something to happen.
  • We need to clear the runway for the new product launch next month.

Noun

1. a strip of level paved surface where planes can take off and land
2. a narrow platform extending from the stage into the audience in a theater or nightclub etc.
3. a chute down which logs can slide
4. a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll