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Definition of fairway

fairway

/ˈfɛərweɪ/
fair · way
Plural:fairways
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fairway Lexical Profile

fairway Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In golf, the closely mown strip of turf on a course extending between the teeing ground and the putting green, bordered on either side by the rough.

Example

"Her tee shot landed squarely in the middle of the fairway, setting up an easy approach to the green."

2

A navigable channel in a river, harbor, or coastal area that is kept open and unobstructed for the safe passage of vessels.

Example

"The harbor master instructed smaller pleasure craft to stay clear of the main shipping fairway."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for fairway

• Nearby Words

fairish
fairly
fairness
fairway
fairweather
fairy
fairy duster

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century as a compound of 'fair' (in the nautical sense of clear or unobstructed) and 'way'. Originally denoting a navigable channel for ships, the word was adopted into golf terminology in the early 20th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fairway. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fairway
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