runway
/ˈɹʌnweɪ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.92 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A narrow walkway (often on a platform) extending from a stage on which people walk, especially one used by models during fashion shows.
noun
In javelin, long jump, and similar events: a short track along which athletes can accelerate themselves for their jumps or throws.
noun
The number of months that a startup company can operate by using up its cash reserves.
Informal
noun
A stream bed.
Example Sentences
- "The invention comprehends an inclined runway or cable connected at its upper end in any desirable way to a point adjacent the bin, pocket, or chute to which the coal is to be delivered and connected at its lower end to a post or other point of attachment located at the side of the pile of coal. […] The coal tub or carrier by means of which the coal is conveyed is suspended from and adapted to run along the runway or cable, […]"
- "From many years’ experience with automobiles, I have known the manner of signaling by horn to the garage keeper or elevator man the desire to enter the building. As many garages are located in residence districts, this is truly a very annoying custom and should be stopped. To overcome this nuisance a handy electric push button could be mounted on posts on either side of the runway, about five feet high, so that they could be easily reached as the car approaches the garage door. These posts could be placed near the curb, and two are recommended to serve cars with left or right side drive."
- "Q. Was the fence all blocked by the freight? […] A. No, there was a runway left, so they could drive trucks through there inside the space."
- "A TAKE-DOWN CANOE RUNWAY. A very handy adjunct to the camp of a canoeist is a runway that can be taken apart and transported easily."
- "There is a water-break formed by a small terrace of rock in mid-stream, and purling with a hollow, delicious monotone—an island of pebbles is above, with here and there smaller ones near the "forks." This pebbly island is directly on the runway, or customary trail which the hunted deer pursues through the forests. […] I fix my eyes steadily upon the runway—straining them almost from their sockets—still no deer."
- "These streams have always been, and, of right ought to be, the runways for shad and salmon, when these fishes are seeking a spawning bed;[…]. The public at large, […] are entitled to have the full benefit of these runways free from any such permanent obstructions as will prevent the ready passage of fish up stream, or will destroy them uselessly on their return to the river and sea."
Etymology
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Sports.