airway

noun

air·​way ˈer-ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
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
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
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.
According to the shelter, Cooper needs to have emergency surgery to open up his airways, which would cost around $11,500 total. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025 While police attempted to arrest him, the man allegedly grabbed the canine’s snout in an attempt to restrict the dog’s airway, kicked three officers, and bit another, according to the release. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2025 Another medication, dupilumab, has been used for decades to treat eczema and can also help people with COPD who have allergic airway inflammation. Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025 The global airway management devices market is experiencing significant growth—last year, it was valued at approximately $2.48 billion. Ikram Mansori, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for airway

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of airway was in 1800

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Airway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airway. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
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

Medical Definition

airway

noun
air·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce airway (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on airway

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