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.

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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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Etymology

Origin of gateway

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

Example Sentences

"The expansion of Bugs Matter is hugely exciting. Given Kent's position as the gateway between Britain and the continent, it feels like a natural next step," she says.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The Port of Jebel Ali is not only the U.A.E.’s main gateway to the world but a major artery of the global order the U.S. built and depends on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

He was mostly there to celebrate a dredging project allowing larger ships to come to that city’s port, already the largest gateway for energy imports in the U.S.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Stablecoins are also a gateway for customers into the rest of the digital-assets ecosystem, including trading for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

Then he led all of us under the giant Camp Eclipse arch, which he said represented the gateway between civilization and nature.

From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth