Narrow elevated pathways or platforms, originally used in theater and now common in fashion shows, where models walk to display clothing.
From cat (perhaps from the animal's nimble, careful movements) + walk (a path for walking). The term emerged in theater and became associated with fashion in the 20th century.
Fashion runways are called 'catwalks' possibly because models need the same grace and balance of cats navigating narrow surfaces—though the term originated in theater for practical maintenance walkways long before it meant high fashion.
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