gateway

gate-way · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An entrance or passage that may be closed by a gate; an opening in a wall or fence.

  2. 2.

    A means of access or entry to something; a starting point.

  3. 3.

    (computing) A device or program that connects different computer networks.

Forms

plural: gateways

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gateway drug — a substance thought to lead to harder drugs
  • •
    gateway city — a major entry point to a region
  • •
    payment gateway — an online service for processing payments

Related words

Antonyms: barrier, exit
See also: access, door, entrance, portal
Synonyms: access point, doorway, entrance, portal

Etymology

A compound of Old English geat ("gate") + weg ("way"), forming a word meaning "the way through a gate." First recorded in the 14th century.