gatefold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “gatefold” mean?
A page or cover in a book, magazine, or record sleeve that is folded to a larger size than the main publication and can be opened out like a gate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A page or cover in a book, magazine, or record sleeve that is folded to a larger size than the main publication and can be opened out like a gate.
A printing and binding technique producing a page that folds out, often used for large illustrations, maps, or expansive visual content. In music, it commonly refers to the sleeve of a vinyl record that opens like a book.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. The term itself is used in both varieties, but regional vocabulary in surrounding context may differ (e.g., 'record' vs 'vinyl', 'sleeve' vs 'jacket').
Connotations
None; purely technical.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Its use is tied to industries (publishing, music) with significant presence in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gatefold” in a Sentence
[The/This] + NOUN + features a gatefold[We/They] + printed it as a gatefoldAdjective + gatefold + NOUN (e.g., elaborate gatefold sleeve)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gatefold” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The special edition featured a stunning gatefold sleeve for the vinyl.
- We're considering a gatefold design for the annual report's centre spread.
American English
- The album's gatefold cover has never-before-seen photos of the band.
- The brochure uses a gatefold page to display the full-sized map.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in discussions of printing costs, marketing materials, or product packaging (e.g., premium vinyl records).
Academic
Rare, but may appear in studies of print media, graphic design, or music history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in graphic design, publishing, printing, and music production/physical media.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gatefold”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gatefold”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gatefold”
- Using 'gatefold' as a verb (e.g., 'We will gatefold the page' is incorrect). The correct phrasing is 'print/bind it as a gatefold'.
- Confusing it with a simple 'folded leaflet' or 'brochure'. A gatefold is specifically bound into a larger publication.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Gatefold' is the specific technical term, while 'fold-out' is a more general descriptive phrase.
No. A gatefold is specifically a page bound into a larger publication (book, magazine, album) that folds out. A standalone folded leaflet is just a brochure or leaflet.
No, it is exclusively a term for physical, printed media and packaging.
A 'single sleeve' or 'standard sleeve', which is a simple cardboard envelope without an opening flap or fold-out panels.
Gatefold is usually specialized/technical in register.
Gatefold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪt.fəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪt.foʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GATE that FOLDS open. A gatefold page is like a gate in a book or album that you can open to reveal a larger picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAGE/COVER IS A GATE (that opens to reveal more).
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is the term 'gatefold' most commonly used?