runway
B1Neutral to formal in aviation contexts; informal/fashion in modeling contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A prepared strip of ground (at an airport, airstrip, or spacecraft launch site) where aircraft take off and land.
1) An elongated, level platform, typically raised, used as a stage for fashion models to walk on during a fashion show. 2) A defined, prepared path or track for a specific purpose, such as for vehicles, animals, or industrial operations (e.g., log runway, bobsled runway).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has two primary distinct senses: aviation (the original) and fashion (a metaphorical extension). Context typically disambiguates instantly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Minor spelling differences in related terms (e.g., aerodrome vs. airdrome, but 'runway' is standard).
Connotations
In aviation, identical technical meaning. In fashion, identical metaphorical use.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both aviation and fashion contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The plane taxied onto the [runway].The model strutted down the [runway].They extended the airport's [runway].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Runway success (fashion context, implying a model or show was highly successful).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in airline, airport, and fashion industry reports (e.g., 'The new runway will increase airport capacity.').
Academic
Used in engineering, aviation, logistics, and cultural studies papers (e.g., 'The runway's composite material reduces wear.').
Everyday
Used when discussing air travel or fashion events (e.g., 'Our flight was delayed waiting for a free runway.').
Technical
Specific aviation term defined by ICAO/FAA with parameters for length, width, strength, markings, and lighting.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The pilot was cleared to runway vacate via the high-speed turn-off.
American English
- The aircraft will runway hold at the designated point.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The runway lighting system was upgraded for low-visibility operations.
American English
- The runway incursion was investigated by the FAA.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big plane is on the runway.
- The models are on the runway.
- Our flight was late because the runway was busy.
- She watched the fashion show and liked the dresses on the runway.
- The airport is constructing a new, longer runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
- The designer's latest collection caused a sensation on the Paris runways.
- Due to a sudden crosswind, the pilot executed a go-around just before touching down on the runway.
- Her avant-garde creations consistently challenge the conventions of the traditional runway show.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RUNner's WAY — the path a runner (or plane) uses to get up to speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENT IS A JOURNEY ALONG A PATH: A 'runway' metaphorically provides the path for a successful launch (career, product launch) or presentation (fashion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'взлетно-посадочная полоса' into 'take-off and landing strip' in everyday English; 'runway' or 'landing strip' is sufficient.
- Do not confuse with 'дорога' (road) or 'трасса' (highway/route).
- In fashion context, 'подиум' translates directly to 'catwalk' or 'runway'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'runway' to refer to any road or path for cars (incorrect).
- Confusing 'runway' with 'taxiway' (the path to/from the runway).
- Misspelling as 'run way' (should be one word).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'runway' NOT typically be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a runway is used for both take-offs and landings of aircraft.
In fashion, they are synonyms. 'Catwalk' often implies a narrower, raised platform, while 'runway' can be a broader term, but they are frequently used interchangeably.
It is not a standard verb in general English. In specific aviation jargon, you might find noun compounds like 'runway holding point', but it is not used as a standalone verb (e.g., 'to runway').
Metaphorically, it can mean the amount of time or resources available before a critical point is reached (e.g., 'The company has a cash runway of 18 months'). This is a different, abstract extension of the core 'path for launch' meaning.