gateway

American  

[geyt-wey] / ˈgeɪtˌweɪ /

noun

gateways plural

1. an entrance or passage that may be closed by a gate.

2. a structure for enclosing such an opening or entrance.

3. any passage by or point at which a region may be entered.

   New York soon became the gateway to America.

4. Digital Technology.

   1. software or hardware that connects two disparate computer networks, as to enable the passage of information between a home or business network and the internet.

   2. software that facilitates digital communication of text messages over cellular telephone networks.

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adjective

1. relating to or noting an ingested substance, habit, activity, etc., that is relatively free of bad effects but may lead to more dangerous or extreme choices.

   sweet gateway drinks that mask the taste of alcohol;

   gateway gadgets that seem simple enough, but tempt you to buy expensive accessories.

gateway British  

/ ˈɡeɪtˌweɪ /

noun

1. an entrance that may be closed by or as by a gate

2. a means of entry or access

   Mumbai, gateway to India

3. (modifier) allowing entry, access, or progress to a more extreme form

   gateway drug

   gateway drink

4. computing hardware and software that connect incompatible computer networks, allowing information to be passed from one to another

5. a software utility that enables text messages to be sent and received over digital cellular telephone networks

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• gateways
  plural

Etymology

Origin of gateway

First recorded in 1700–10; gate ¹ + way ¹

Explanation

A gateway is an opening or entrance of a gate that swings open and shut. People also use the word gateway to describe the entryway into anything, like school could be your gateway to opportunity. Study hard. Gateways are similar to doorways, with the obvious difference being the gate that you open to pass through, rather than a door. You can also use this word in a figurative way, to mean "entrance," or "means of access." For example, you could say, "That huge bank building is the gateway to the city's financial district," or "Delhi is the gateway to South Asia."

Example Sentences

From a gas crater dubbed the "Gateway to Hell" to the shimmering marble buildings of its capital, Turkmenistan is tentatively opening up to tourists after decades of isolation.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

The report praised the council, partner organisations and 'Friends of' groups for work in the last six years, including launching the first National Nature Reserve – the Bradford Pennine Gateway – in May 2025.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

Another proposed element of the Gateway Program is to directly connect Penn Station to more NJ Transit lines instead of a necessary transfer at the first stop in New Jersey, Secaucus Junction.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

A trailer shows Duffy, his wife and their nine children skiing, snowmobiling and riding waterslides, alongside shots of St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, Boston’s Fenway Park and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

And so they came before the Gateway and halted a furlong from the walls.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien