gateway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in technical contexts (computing, business).
Quick answer
What does “gateway” mean?
A physical entrance or opening that provides access through a wall, fence, or barrier.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical entrance or opening that provides access through a wall, fence, or barrier.
A point of entry or means of access, often into a network, system, or a new state or condition; something that serves as a passage or starting point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal semantic difference. 'Gateway' is equally standard in both. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both, the 'gateway drug' metaphor is prevalent. In computing, 'default gateway' is a universal term. In city branding, 'Gateway to the North/South' is common in both UK and US.
Frequency
Equally frequent, with high usage in IT, business, and urban planning contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gateway” in a Sentence
[N] is a gateway to [N/V-ing][N] serves/acts as a gateway to [N][N] provides a gateway into [N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gateway” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software gateways the data to the secure server.
- (Note: 'gateway' as a verb is highly technical and rare in general use.)
American English
- The system will gateway traffic from the legacy network.
- (Note: 'gateway' as a verb is highly technical and rare in general use.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- The gateway page requires authentication.
- They discussed gateway technologies for the project.
American English
- The gateway router failed during the storm.
- She works for a gateway service provider.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A regional office serving as a gateway to Asian markets.
Academic
The treaty is seen as a gateway to deeper economic integration.
Everyday
They installed a new wooden gateway at the end of the garden path.
Technical
The router's IP address is configured as the network's default gateway.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gateway”
- Using 'gate' for figurative points of entry (prefer 'gateway'). Confusing with 'doorway' (more specific to buildings).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Gate' is the physical barrier/door itself. 'Gateway' is the structure or point that includes the gate and its framework, or a figurative point of access. 'Portal' is more abstract or literary, often for magical or digital entries.
In highly specialised computing/telecom contexts, it can mean 'to act as a gateway for data'. In everyday language, it is almost exclusively a noun.
In computer networking, it's the device (usually a router) on a network that serves as an access point to other networks, most commonly the internet.
No. While often neutral ('gateway city') or positive ('gateway to opportunity'), it is famously used in the negative collocation 'gateway drug', implying a starting point for harmful behaviour.
A physical entrance or opening that provides access through a wall, fence, or barrier.
Gateway is usually neutral to formal. common in technical contexts (computing, business). in register.
Gateway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪt.weɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪt.weɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Gateway to the stars/heaven(s)”
- “A gateway to success/hell”
- “Gateway drug”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an airport GATE: it's a physical way through to your flight. A GATEWAY is a 'way' through a 'gate'—either real or metaphorical.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS A GATEWAY / PROGRESS IS PASSING THROUGH A GATEWAY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'gateway' most likely to have a negative connotation?