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

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

But one thing remained the same and that was the fashion on display - with catwalk ready looks from the likes of Olivia Dean, Rosalía and Harry Styles.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Designers like Simone Rocha, Tolu Coker and Roksanda have become fashion week mainstays after making their debut on the NewGen catwalk.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Slowly, painfully, Pollard rose from the chair and limped along the catwalk, pursued by his doctors and nurse.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand