floodgate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “floodgate” mean?
a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water in a river, canal, or dam.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water in a river, canal, or dam
something that controls or holds back a sudden, large flow of other things (such as emotions, information, or events)
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary in British English; used more frequently in American journalistic contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; slightly more common in American news media.
Grammar
How to Use “floodgate” in a Sentence
open the floodgates to/for somethingfloodgates of somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “floodgate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The decision could floodgate a wave of similar claims.
- Attempts to floodgate the protests proved ineffective.
American English
- The ruling might floodgate numerous lawsuits.
- They tried to floodgate the influx of refugees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to removing restrictions that could lead to a surge in activity, e.g., 'The new policy opened the floodgates for foreign investment.'
Academic
Used in sociology/political science to describe sudden social/policy changes, e.g., 'The legislation opened the floodgates of migration.'
Everyday
Mostly metaphorical for emotions, e.g., 'After the funeral, the floodgates of her grief opened.'
Technical
Rare literal use in civil/water engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “floodgate”
- Using 'floodgate' for a single event (it implies control/release of many things).
- Using it as a verb (the verb form is rare/obsolete).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically yes, but it is now extremely rare and considered obsolete. Use 'open the floodgates' instead.
Overwhelmingly metaphorical in contemporary use. The literal meaning (a water-control gate) is technical and uncommon.
A 'gate' is a general barrier or entrance. A 'floodgate' specifically controls flow, especially of water or (metaphorically) of abstract things like information.
Both exist, but the plural 'floodgates' is far more common, especially in the idiom 'open the floodgates'. The singular can refer to a specific, single gate.
a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water in a river, canal, or dam.
Floodgate is usually formal, literary, journalistic in register.
Floodgate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflʌdɡeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflʌdɡeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “open the floodgates”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GATE holding back a FLOOD of water—or emotions, emails, or lawsuits.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONS/INFORMATION ARE WATER; RESTRAINT IS A BARRIER/CONTAINER
Practice
Quiz
What does 'open the floodgates' typically mean?