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

The pathway weaves through mining ruins on the south side of town, with informational signs at relevant sites. —James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024

Both #1 pros Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns took home triple crowns at last year’s Tour Finals event, but their pathways to their titles were anything but straight-forward. —Todd Boss, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Limited Options for Release While some Americans detained in Russia have been released in high-profile prisoner swaps, not all face clear pathways to freedom. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Thus, a certain level of mobility is needed to take stairs and walk the pathways. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024

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