pathway

American  

[path-wey, pahth-] / ˈpæθˌweɪ, ˈpɑθ- /

noun

1. a path, course, route, or way.

2. Biochemistry. a sequence of reactions, usually controlled and catalyzed by enzymes, by which one organic substance is converted to another.

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pathway British  

/ ˈpɑːθˌweɪ /

noun

1. another word for path path

2. a route to or way of access to; way of reaching or achieving something

3. courses taken by a student to gain entry to a higher course or towards a final qualification

4. biochem a chain of reactions associated with a particular metabolic process

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pathway Scientific  

/ păth′wā′ /

1. A chain of nerve fibers along which impulses normally travel.

2. A sequence of enzymatic or other reactions by which one biological material is converted to another.

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Other Word Forms

• pathwayed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pathway

First recorded in 1530–40; path + way ¹

Explanation

A pathway is a trail or other walkway. Hikers often follow a well-worn pathway as they walk through the woods. Use the noun pathway to mean a walk, path, or trail — any marked way that's meant or used for walking. The pathway you follow on your way to school might lead you over a stream and through a field, or it might meander down a narrow city alley. Pathway is essentially a longer, redundant way to say "path," and in fact it comes from path and its Old English root pæþ, "path or track," which has a Germanic origin.

Example Sentences

Karahan said earlier research has shown that activating a related pathway may help people with Alzheimer's remain more resistant to cognitive decline, even when significant plaque accumulation is present.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

Hidalgo-Gonzalez said she hasn’t studied SDG&E’s preferred pathway through Anza-Borrego enough to comment on it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

When I came to Everton I knew I had to do well and I knew England was there for me because I went from under-16s to 20s all the way through 21s in the pathway.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The state legislature fixed this problem by adding a pathway for near-retirees.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Instead he took Jeyne by the arm and drew her down the pathway to the Battlements Gate.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• artery
• asphalt
• avenue
• boulevard
• byway
• expressway
• freeway
• highway
• lane
• parking lot
• path
• pavement
• route
• street
• subway
• superhighway
• terrace
• thoroughfare
• turnpike
• viaduct