catwalk

American  

[kat-wawk] / ˈkætˌwɔk /

noun

1. a narrow walkway, especially one high above the surrounding area, used to provide access or allow workers to stand or move, as over the stage in a theater, outside the roadway of a bridge, along the top of a railroad car, etc.

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catwalk British  

/ ˈkætˌwɔːk /

noun

1. a narrow ramp extending from the stage into the audience in a theatre, nightclub, etc, esp as used by models in a fashion show

2. a narrow pathway over the stage of a theatre, along a bridge, etc

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Etymology

Origin of catwalk

First recorded in 1880–85; cat ( def. ) + walk

Explanation

A catwalk is a very narrow, high bridge. You might see workers on a catwalk during the construction of a skyscraper, or you might see a model strutting her stuff on a different type of catwalk. Any high, skinny bridge can be described as a catwalk, but it's more likely to refer to an industrial walkway, like one in a factory or other workplace. The kind of catwalk on which a model struts is different — it's lower, not so precarious, and often extends into the audience. The original catwalks, in the 1880s, were on ships and backstage in theaters, and they were named for the careful, delicate way a cat walks.

Example Sentences

They mostly stood on the elevated stage, but occasionally came down to the catwalk in front of the orchestra.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

While walking a catwalk he plunged through a pair of broken slats and was left hanging by his armpits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The catwalk was soundtracked by Little Simz, who also performed in one of Coker's vibrant designs.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Notable names including Harris Reed and Richard Quinn will return to the catwalk in London, with Burberry closing the week in its usual fashion on Monday evening.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

A long catwalk, arching over the crowd, stood between them and the announcer’s booth.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand