gateway

American  

[geyt-wey] / ˈgeɪtˌweɪ /

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 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

---

Etymology

Origin of gateway

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

Example Sentences

For some political experts, the sale of Citgo’s U.S. refineries would amount to Venezuela’s crude losing a guaranteed gateway to the American market.

From The Wall Street Journal

These models are now also being built into news sites, social media platforms and search services, making them the primary gateway to obtain information.

From Salon

Whoever provides the gateway to our favorite online services owns one of the most valuable tollbooths in cyberspace, said Gil Luria, an analyst with D.A.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They are hitting what is easiest for them to reach. And then, of course if you look at export logistics, Odesa is the final gateway.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Beyond the songs appearing in Netflix’s biggest film to date, they’re also more approachable than some traditional K-pop, which lets them serve as a gateway into the genre for some curious American listeners.

From The Wall Street Journal