pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā How to pronounce pathway (audio)
ˈpäth-
1
2
: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another
also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels
3
: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another
metabolic pathways

Examples of pathway in a Sentence

We walked along a winding pathway. we parked our car near a rambling pathway that led down to the pond
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Homeownership, the clearest pathway to generational prosperity, remains out of reach for too many Black families. Lenwood V. Long, Sr., Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 The Quinnipiac survey, carried out between December 12 and 16, also asked respondents about mass deportations of undocumented migrants versus offering pathways to legal status. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 This means more money for SNAP, more food for families in need, and more pathways to stability. Molly Wasow Park, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024 It was essentially created to give controversial winner Ben Driebergen a pathway to the final. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pathway 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathway was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pathway

Cite this Entry

“Pathway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathway. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pathway

noun
path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā How to pronounce pathway (audio)
ˈpȧth-
: path

Medical Definition

pathway

noun
1
: a line of communication over interconnecting neurons extending from one organ or center to another
also : a network of interconnecting neurons along which a nerve impulse travels
2
: the sequence of usually enzyme-catalyzed reactions by which one substance is converted into another
metabolic pathways

More from Merriam-Webster on pathway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!