airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā 

1

: a passage for a current of air (as in a mine or to the lungs)

2

: a designated route along which airplanes fly from airport to airport

especially : such a route equipped with navigational aids

3

: airline

4

: a channel of a designated radio frequency for broadcasting or other radio communication

Examples of airway in a Sentence

a patient with a partially blocked airway

Recent Examples on the Web

Crowded nose and throat: Excess tissue obstructs the airway, making breathing harder. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

But despite plenty of glamor and drama within the group, the show didn't hit the airways for season two until June 2024, two whole years later. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024

At that point, an infected person typically has severe coughing fits as their body tries to clear mucus from the airways. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2024

One animal study found that the compound luteolin can reduce inflammation in the airways and reduce responses to allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis.13 While these results are promising, additional human research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing airway

• bilevel positive airway pressure
• continuous positive airway pressure

Kids Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

1

: a passage for a current of air

especially : one through which air passes to and from the lungs

2

: a regular route for aircraft

especially : one equipped with aids for guiding aircraft

3

: airline

Medical Definition

airway

noun

air·​way -ˌwā 

: a passageway for air into or out of the lungs

specifically : a device passed into the trachea by way of the mouth or nose or through an incision to maintain a clear respiratory passageway (as during anesthesia, convulsions, or in obstructive laryngitis) see upper airway