English Reference
Noun

catwalk

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈkætˌwɑk/ UK /kˈætwɔːk/ cat·walk UK spelling catwalks Nautical

n.a narrow, raised platform or walkway on a ship. It is used by the crew to move around the deck safely.

n.a narrow, raised platform or walkway on a ship's deck, used by the crew for movement and safety.


SIMPLE

The sailors walked along the catwalk to reach the main mast.

CONTEXTUAL

During the storm, the crew stayed on the catwalk to avoid being swept overboard by the heavy waves.

COMPLEX

The ship's catwalk provided a stable surface for the engineers to inspect the hull while the vessel was docked for repairs.

The hedge fund headcase’s tentacles ran deep in the world of catwalks and mannequins.

Toronto Sun· 15 Aug 2026

From cat + walk.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated