Noun
We followed a winding path through the woods.
The path led down the hill.
The car skidded into the path of an oncoming truck.
The fire destroyed everything in its path.
The cars moved aside to clear a path for the ambulance.
He tried to leave but one of the guards blocked his path.
They are heading down a dangerous path that could lead to war.
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Noun
There will be little temptation to venture away from the comforts of the resort’s idyllic and famously still beach, unless by boat, kayak, or bike to explore the surrounding archipelago’s dramatic cliffs, caves, and paths.—👁 Image Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026 Understanding what the Bengals are seeking will set the foundation for understanding the paths, options and players most likely to be targeted April 22-24.—👁 Image Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 March 21 – April 19 What new path calls you to explore?—👁 Image Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026 December 22 – January 19 Soul-deep reflection shows you the path ahead.—👁 Image Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for path
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English pæth; akin to Old High German pfad path
Noun combining form
borrowed from Greek -pathēs "experiencing, undergoing or suffering (as designated by the initial element)," adjectival derivative from páthos "experience, misfortune, emotion" — more at pathos
Note:
The agentive meaning of sense 1 is based on loans from German or French (as German Homöopath, French homéopathehomeopath) that appear to be back-formations from abstract nouns ending in -ie (as German Homöopathie, French homéopathiehomeopathy—cf. -pathy).
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of path was
before the 12th century
