catwalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (fashion context), Technical/Industrial (engineering/access context).
Quick answer
What does “catwalk” mean?
A narrow, elevated platform used by models to walk along during a fashion show.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A narrow, elevated platform used by models to walk along during a fashion show.
1. Any narrow, elevated walkway, especially for access or maintenance (e.g., in a theater or on a bridge). 2. Figuratively, a situation or context where one is under intense scrutiny, akin to being on display.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both share core meanings. 'Runway' is a common synonym in US fashion contexts, while 'catwalk' is slightly more UK-preferred but fully understood.
Connotations
In both, the fashion sense dominates popular understanding. The industrial sense is more specialist.
Frequency
In US fashion media, 'runway' is more frequent. In UK fashion media, 'catwalk' is slightly more frequent. The industrial sense has equal frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “catwalk” in a Sentence
walk on the catwalkstrut down the catwalkfall off the catwalkdesign for the catwalkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catwalk” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The model's confidence on the catwalk was captivating.
- Engineers inspected the turbine from the steel catwalk.
American English
- She's dreamed of walking the catwalk since she was a child.
- The maintenance catwalk above the factory floor was rusty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the fashion industry and its marketing events (e.g., 'The new collection debuted on the catwalk in Milan').
Academic
Used in cultural studies, fashion history, and theatre/engineering design papers.
Everyday
Primarily used when discussing fashion events or television shows.
Technical
Refers to access walkways for maintenance on ships, bridges, or in industrial plants.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catwalk”
- Using 'catwalk' to mean any stage (it's specifically narrow and for walking).
- Confusing 'catwalk' (noun) with 'cat-walk' (verb) which is non-standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In fashion, they are synonyms. 'Runway' is more common in American English. 'Catwalk' can also mean an industrial walkway, where 'runway' would not be used (a runway is for aircraft).
Informally, yes (e.g., 'She catwalked across the room'), but it is considered a non-standard conversion from the noun. The standard verb is 'to walk the catwalk' or 'to strut on the catwalk'.
Etymologically, yes. It originates from the mid-19th century, likening the narrow, precarious walkway to the graceful, stealthy walk of a cat along a narrow wall or fence.
It is a narrow, elevated walkway or platform that provides access to machinery, electrical systems, or structures for inspection, maintenance, or repair, commonly found in factories, on ships, or under bridges.
A narrow, elevated platform used by models to walk along during a fashion show.
Catwalk is usually formal (fashion context), technical/industrial (engineering/access context). in register.
Catwalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæt.wɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt.wɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life is not a catwalk.”
- “It's a catwalk out there. (figurative, implying constant scrutiny)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a very CONFIDENT CAT walking (CATWALK) on a narrow fence, showing off its fur like a model.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC SCRUTINY IS A CATWALK (e.g., 'Politicians are constantly on a catwalk during the election.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'catwalk' LEAST likely to be used?