gateway

Something that allows you to reach a place, opportunity, or experience.

• Education can be a gateway to better jobs.
• The port serves as a gateway to the region.
• Her first role became a gateway to a successful acting career.

How to use it: gateway to something (This course is a gateway to a career in design.)

Similar words: route, means of access

Common phrases: gateway to something, a gateway, important gateway

An entrance or opening through which you pass into another place.

• We waited by the gateway.
• They drove through the wide gateway into the park.
• An old stone gateway marks the entrance to the castle.

How to use it: gateway to/into something (A narrow gateway leads into the courtyard.)

Similar words: entrance, opening

Common phrases: through the gateway, stone gateway, gateway into something

Something that introduces you to an activity and often leads to greater involvement.

• They described the substance as a gateway drug.
• That simple game became my gateway into competitive chess.
• Some people consider short stories a gateway to reading longer books.

How to use it: gateway into something (Gardening was her gateway into the world of plant science.)

Similar words: introduction, stepping stone

Common phrases: gateway drug, gateway activity, gateway into something

A device that connects wireless users to a network and manages their internet access.

• Restart the gateway if the connection fails.
• Our wireless gateway includes a firewall.
• Can you change the password in the gateway settings?

Common phrases: wireless gateway, gateway settings, gateway address