Synonyms

gateway

American

[geyt-wey] / ˈgeɪtˌweɪ /

noun

an entrance or passage that may be closed by a gate.
a structure for enclosing such an opening or entrance.
any passage by or point at which a region may be entered.

New York soon became the gateway to America.
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

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

an entrance that may be closed by or as by a gate
a means of entry or access

Mumbai, gateway to India
(modifier) allowing entry, access, or progress to a more extreme form

gateway drug
gateway drink
computing hardware and software that connect incompatible computer networks, allowing information to be passed from one to another
a software utility that enables text messages to be sent and received over digital cellular telephone networks

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gateway

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At Torkham border crossing -- a key gateway for Afghans returning from Pakistan -- overnight fighting was reported by the Nangarhar province information department.

From Barron's

The pair refer to the increased celebrity presence at events as a "gateway" to entice casual viewers to commit fully to the sport.

From BBC

The main gateway to the Black Sea and beyond, Odesa is a key logistics hub for Ukraine, one of the world's top agricultural exporters.

From Barron's

For these young cinephiles, the Eagle Rock hub isn’t just a theater — it’s a gateway to film history.

From Los Angeles Times

Ask anyone where L.A.’s Black mecca is and they will more than likely point you to Leimert Park, so it’s understandable why this is a top pick for the gateway to the Historic South L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023