Catwalk vs. Runway — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 5, 2023
Catwalk is a narrow, elevated platform used by models to showcase fashion; runway refers to both fashion model pathways and aircraft takeoff/landing strips.
Difference Between Catwalk and Runway
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "catwalk" originally refers to a narrow, elevated walkway used in fashion shows for models to display clothing to an audience. It's a space where designers showcase their work, often characterized by its long, straight design and surrounded by the audience on both sides. Conversely, "runway" in the fashion context also describes the platform for models but can refer to the broader area of a fashion show, including the backstage and audience areas.
In contrast to catwalks, which are specific to fashion shows, runways have a wider range of definitions. Outside of fashion, a runway is more commonly known as the paved strip on which aircraft take off and land. While both catwalks and runways share the concept of a linear path, a runway in this context is characterized by its large scale and technical specifications designed for aviation safety and efficiency.
The catwalk can also denote a narrow, often suspended platform used in theaters or to access parts of a construction site, emphasizing its utilitarian purpose outside the fashion industry. Runways, in the non-fashion sense, have no such alternative uses and are exclusively associated with aviation. This delineation highlights their differing functionalities despite a shared term in fashion.
Furthermore, catwalks are associated with elegance and high fashion, with models often performing distinctive walks developed to showcase garments most effectively. The term "runway," even within fashion, carries a slightly less specialized connotation, sometimes simply indicating the main thoroughfare models walk during a show without the implied sophistication of the term "catwalk."
Finally, catwalks and runways serve as metaphors in different domains. A catwalk can signify any situation where someone is the center of attention, whereas a runway might metaphorically represent a pathway to take off or start a significant venture.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Fashion shows
Fashion shows and aircraft takeoff/landing
Secondary Use
Access in theaters, construction
None outside of aviation
Metaphorical Use
Being in the spotlight
Starting a significant venture
Associated With
Elegance, high fashion
Fashion and aviation
Physical Characteristics
Narrow, elevated, linear
Varies in fashion; long, wide, paved in aviation
Compare with Definitions
Catwalk
Catwalk refers to a narrow walkway in industrial settings.
He carefully walked the catwalk above the factory floor.
Runway
Runway is the strip where airplanes take off and land.
The pilot navigated the plane to the runway for takeoff.
Catwalk
Catwalk can mean an elevated pedestrian bridge.
The catwalk over the highway connected the two buildings.
Runway
Runway refers to the platform where models walk during a fashion show.
The new designer's collection will debut on the runway tonight.
Catwalk
Catwalk is a platform where models display clothing at fashion shows.
Models dazzled the audience on the catwalk with the latest fashion.
Runway
Runway is used in the phrase “clear the runway,” meaning to remove obstacles.
They had to clear the runway for the emergency landing.
Catwalk
Catwalk is sometimes used to describe someone strutting confidently.
She walked into the room like she was on a catwalk.
Runway
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and takeoff of aircraft". Runways may be a man-made surface (often asphalt, concrete, or a mixture of both) or a natural surface (grass, dirt, gravel, ice, sand or salt).
Catwalk
A platform extending into an auditorium, along which models walk to display clothes in fashion shows.
Runway
A strip of level, usually paved ground on which aircraft take off and land.
Catwalk
A narrow walkway or open bridge, especially in an industrial installation.
Runway
A path, channel, or track over which something runs.
Catwalk
A narrow, often elevated walkway, as on the sides of a bridge or in the flies above a theater stage.
Runway
The channel of a stream.
Catwalk
(nautical) An elevated enclosed passage providing access fore and aft from the bridge of a merchant vessel.
Runway
A chute down which logs are skidded.
Catwalk
Any similar elevated walkway.
Runway
A narrow track in a bowling lane on which balls are returned after they are bowled.
Catwalk
A narrow elevated stage on which models parade; a runway
Runway
A smooth ramp for wheeled vehicles.
Catwalk
The business of making clothes for fashion shows.
Runway
A narrow walkway extending from a stage into an auditorium.
Catwalk
A narrow walkway projecting from a stage into the seating area of a theater; it is used, e. g. by models displaying clothes on it at a fashion show. Called also runway.
Runway
A defined, narrow section of land or an artificial structure used for access.
Catwalk
A narrow walkway high in the air to allow workers access to parts of a structure otherwise difficult to reach. Catwalks are located, e.g. above a stage in a theater, between parts of a building, along the side of a bridge, on the outside of a railroad car, on the outside of a large storage tank, etc.
Runway
The usual path taken by deer or other wild animals, such as from a forest to a water source.
Catwalk
Narrow platform;
Models displayed clothes on a catwalk at the fashion show
Runway
A narrow walkway (often on a platform) extending from a stage on which people walk, especially one used by models during fashion shows.
Catwalk
Narrow pathway high in the air (as above a stage or between parts of a building or along a bridge)
Runway
(athletics) In javelin, long jump, and similar events: a short track along which athletes can accelerate themselves for their jumps or throws.
Runway
(aviation) A section of land, usually paved, for airplanes to land on or take off from.
Runway
Hence, the number of months that a startup company can operate by using up its cash reserves.
Runway
A stream bed.
Runway
The channel of a stream.
Runway
The beaten path made by deer or other animals in passing to and from their feeding grounds.
Runway
A narrow platform extending from the stage into the audience in a theater or nightclub etc.
Runway
A strip of level paved surface where planes can take off and land
Runway
Runway can imply a narrow road or path.
The narrow path through the park felt like a runway surrounded by trees.
Runway
Runway also represents a channel through which new ideas are launched.
The startup was looking for a runway to launch their innovative product.
Common Curiosities
What is a catwalk in fashion?
A catwalk is a narrow, often elevated platform where models showcase clothing during a fashion show.
What does runway mean in fashion?
In fashion, a runway is the path that models walk to display the latest clothing designs at a fashion show.
Are catwalks only found in fashion?
No, catwalks are also in industrial settings and entertainment venues as elevated walkways.
Do catwalks have another name?
Yes, catwalks may also be called ramps or fashion runways in the context of fashion shows.
What other industries use catwalks?
Catwalks are used in theater production, construction, and other industries that require elevated walkways.
How long is a typical fashion runway?
The length of a fashion runway can vary, but it is typically between 30 to 100 feet.
What is the main function of a catwalk?
In fashion, it's for model displays; in industry, it's for accessing difficult-to-reach areas.
How wide is a fashion catwalk compared to a runway?
Fashion catwalks are narrower, designed for single-file walking, whereas aviation runways are wide to accommodate aircraft.
Why is it called a catwalk?
It is said to come from the narrow walkways on ships that were so slim only a cat could walk down them.
Can catwalk and runway be used interchangeably in fashion?
Yes, in the context of fashion shows, catwalk and runway can often be used interchangeably.
Is a runway always associated with airplanes?
Primarily, yes, but "runway" can also refer to the platform in fashion shows or metaphorically to starting new endeavors.
Do catwalk models have a special way of walking?
Yes, models are often trained to walk in a way that best displays the clothing.
Can the term runway be used outside of aviation and fashion?
Metaphorically, yes, it can refer to a pathway to progress or start something new.
Are runways always made of concrete?
Aviation runways are, but fashion runways can be made of various materials.
Do catwalks have handrails?
Yes, for safety, industrial catwalks often have handrails, but fashion catwalks typically do not.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
