# API gateway

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/api-gateway
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a single entry point for a group of computer programs that helps manage and direct requests from users. It acts like a gatekeeper that makes sure messages go to the right place and stay secure.

For teachers: a management tool that sits between a client and a collection of backend services, acting as a reverse proxy to route requests, enforce security policies, and gather telemetry.

## Examples

- The API gateway handles all incoming traffic for the mobile app.
- By implementing an API gateway, the engineering team was able to centralize authentication and rate limiting for their entire microservices architecture.
- An effective API gateway abstracts the internal complexity of the system, providing a unified interface while managing cross-cutting concerns such as protocol translation and load balancing.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of microservices and cloud computing architecture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.