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

Smith’s gateway to country music when he was a kid was Garth Brooks, whose flamboyant live approach in the ’90s was basically that of a rock star.

From Los Angeles Times

Chrome has also become a gateway for Google’s A.I. services, including its Gemini chatbot, which some say could eventually follow user activity across the web.

From New York Times

I asked why there was no need to arrest - especially as I was concerned this kind of crime could be a “gateway crime” to more serious offences.

From BBC

“I feel like having people like Jane and Yeule representing minorities or a queer group, I think it’s very powerful, and it’s definitely a gateway into more people feeling comfortable making any alternative genre.”

From Los Angeles Times

Last month it was announced that more than £2bn would be pumped into expanding two separate transport gateways in Essex.

From BBC