Meaning & use
a catwalk
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Meanings
nouncountable
A long narrow platform that models walk along to show new clothes at a fashion show.
Grammar: Countable: 'a catwalk', 'the catwalk', 'catwalks'. Often used in the phrase 'on the catwalk'.
Patterns
- on the catwalk
- walk the catwalk
- a catwalk model
- a catwalk show
The models walked down the catwalk in bright summer dresses.
She was discovered by a designer while working on the catwalk.
The catwalk was lit with soft blue lights.
nouncountable
A narrow raised walkway, often high above the ground, used by workers for access or maintenance.
Grammar: Countable: 'a catwalk', 'catwalks'. Often found in factories, theaters, or on bridges.
Patterns
- a narrow catwalk
- walk along a catwalk
- a catwalk above something
The engineers walked along the catwalk to check the pipes.
A narrow catwalk runs above the stage for the lighting crew.
Workers must wear safety harnesses on the catwalk.
Word forms
| plural | catwalks |
|---|
Common combinations
- on the catwalk
- The new collection was shown on the catwalk in Paris.
- walk the catwalk
- She learned to walk the catwalk with confidence.
- a catwalk model
- He worked as a catwalk model for several years.
- a narrow catwalk
- A narrow catwalk led to the control room.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- catwalking noun
- The activity or job of walking on a catwalk as a model.
Commonly confused: a catwalk or runway?
a catwalk vs runway
In American English, 'runway' means the fashion catwalk, but in British English it usually means the strip where planes take off and land.
Practice
The models walked down the ______ wearing the designer's new collection.
Choose one answer.
'Catwalk' is the usual British word for the fashion platform. 'Runway' is American and also means an airport strip. 'Aisle' is a passage between seats. 'Platform' is too general and not used for fashion shows.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a catwalk”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.