airway

American  

[air-wey] / ˈɛərˌweɪ /

noun

1. an air route equipped with emergency landing fields, beacon lights, radio beams, etc.

2. a passageway by which air passes from the nose or mouth to the air sacs of the lungs.

3. Medicine/Medical. a tubelike device used to maintain adequate, unobstructed respiration, as during general anesthesia.

4. any passage in a mine used for purposes of ventilation; an air course.

5. airways,

   1. the band of frequencies, taken collectively, used by radio broadcasting stations.

      The news was sent out over the airways immediately.

   2. airwaves.

   3. airline.

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airway British  

/ ˈɛəˌweɪ /

noun

1. an air route, esp one that is fully equipped with emergency landing fields, navigational aids, etc

2. a passage for ventilation, esp in a mine

3. a passage down which air travels from the nose or mouth to the lungs

4. med a tubelike device inserted via the throat to keep open the airway of an unconscious patient

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Etymology

Origin of airway

First recorded in 1905–10; air ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

Louise recalls being told that Bow's airway was swollen - Bow was given a tracheostomy and then a further operation to help her breathe more easily.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

This reaction can contribute to airway inflammation and breathing difficulties in the lungs.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

The condition means her airway is too small, making it difficult for her to breathe, and has led to repeated hospital stays throughout her life.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Patients with asthma, a comorbid disease that frequently occurs along with atopic dermatitis, showed a median 56% reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, a measure of airway inflammation.

From Barron's • Dec. 8, 2025

A lump rises in the base of my throat, tightening my airway and shortening my breaths to shallow gulps.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day