pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpäth-

1

: path, course

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

Synonyms

• footpath
• path
• trace
• track
• trail

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

Purdue University has formed a notable partnership with United Airlines to provide students with opportunities for direct pathways to careers in aviation. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

The pathway to becoming a firefighter after prison isn’t clear-cut. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025

For example, the bulk of the people who arrived through one of the Biden-era humanitarian pathways were granted parole for two years. —Allison McCann, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Trump's promise to terminate such pathways has amplified fears among those temporarily protected. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pathway

• neural pathway

Kids Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā 

ˈpȧth-

: path

Medical Definition

pathway

noun

path·​way ˈpath-ˌwā, ˈpȧth- 

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