What does "gateway" mean?

1. (physical entrance) an entrance or passage that can be closed with a gate. 2. (metaphorical access) a place or situation that gives you the chance to reach or experience something else. 3. (computing/networking) a device or program that connects two different computer networks so they can talk to each other. 4. (to provide access) to make something available through a specific entrance or computer point.

How do you use "gateway"?

Often used in the context of 'default gateway' in network settings. This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

gateway

n. · v.

US //ˈɡeɪtˌweɪ// UK //ɡˈeɪtweɪ// gate·way

1 physical entrance (n.)
B1 Intermediate

an entrance or passage that can be closed with a gate.

a physical opening or passage in a wall or fence that is secured by a gate.

Example

The stone gateway led into a beautiful hidden garden behind the house.

Example

The medieval gateway remained the only intact portion of the original city walls, serving as a reminder of the town's defensive history.
- entrance
- entryway
- portal
- exit
2 metaphorical access (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a place or situation that gives you the chance to reach or experience something else.

a location or circumstance regarded as providing the primary means of access to a region, state, or opportunity.

Example

The city is often called the gateway to the mountains because so many hikers start there.

Example

For many young graduates, this internship serves as a gateway to a career in international diplomacy.
- barrier
- obstacle

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3 computing/networking (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

a device or program that connects two different computer networks so they can talk to each other.

a network node that connects two networks using different protocols, often serving as an entry point to the wider internet.

Example

If the gateway is down, none of the computers in the office can access the internet.

Example

The network administrator configured the secure gateway to filter incoming traffic and prevent unauthorised access to the internal server.

Usage

Often used in the context of 'default gateway' in network settings.
- access point
- interface
4 to provide access (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Computing

to make something available through a specific entrance or computer point.

to provide or control access to a resource or network through a specific interface.

Example

The company decided to gateway their internal tools through a single secure portal.

Example

By gatewaying the legacy database through a modern API, the developers allowed the mobile app to retrieve real-time inventory data.

Usage

This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
- route
- interface

Origin

From gate + way.

Idioms1 entry

01
gateway drug
A typically legal or less harmful substance, such as marijuana, whose use is statistically associated with an increased likelihood of progressing to a more dangerous or illicit drug.