Airway: meaning, definitions and examples

It refers to the path that air follows to reach the lungs, either in medicine or for airplanes.

• The doctor cleared the patient's airway to help them breathe.
• The pilot requested a clear airway for landing.

It denotes a physical path or corridor, or a section of text, music, or speech.

• They walked through a narrow passage between the buildings.
• She found a passage in the book that she wanted to quote.

It typically refers to a tube or passage in a building or living organism for carrying air, liquid, or other substances.

• The air conditioning system uses ducts to circulate cool air.
• Saliva flows from the salivary glands through ducts into the mouth.

It can describe a natural or artificial path for water or other fluids or a means of communication or distribution.

• The river channel was deepened to prevent flooding.
• She watched her favorite show on a different TV channel.

Refers to a specific path designated for aircraft to follow in the sky, often used by air traffic controllers and pilots.

• The plane had to divert from its original airway due to bad weather.
• Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to enter the airway.

Specifies the actual path that an aircraft takes through the sky, either planned or as it happens during flight.

• The flight path took them directly over the famous landmark.
• The pilots had to adjust their flight path due to turbulence.

Defines a planned path or direction for travel, can be used in various modes of transportation including aviation, driving, and hiking.

• The GPS calculated the fastest route home.
• The airline established a new route between the two cities.

Generally describes a long, narrow passage inside a building or space, but in aviation, it can refer to an established flight path that aircraft can take over a particular area.

• The students ran down the school corridor.
• There is a designated air corridor for military flights.