gateway

[geyt-wey]

noun

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.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gateway¹

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

Example Sentences

Heavy rain is a routine occurrence in Belém, considered the gateway to the Amazon, with some 10 inches falling on average each month.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The rise is alarming, he tells me, as we talk in his office overlooking the Gulf of Finland, a narrow gateway to the major Russian oil terminals of Ust-Luga and Primorsk.

Read more on BBC

The tree once marked the gateway to the Southern California paradise that early boosters sold to America.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a statement it said it would analyse whether the two "act as important gateways between businesses and consumers, despite not meeting the DMA gatekeeper thresholds for size, user number and market position".

Read more on Barron's

“Trash, in particular, is almost a gateway drug for bears,” West said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal