gates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “gates” mean?
The plural form of 'gate', a movable barrier in a wall or fence used to close an opening, typically hinged or sliding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'gate', a movable barrier in a wall or fence used to close an opening, typically hinged or sliding.
Used to refer to entrances or exits more generally; can metaphorically signify points of control, transition, or opportunity, such as airport gates or starting gates in racing. Also a common component in British place names and surnames.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. UK more likely to use 'gates' in place names (e.g., Hillsborough Gates) or for entrances to large estates/parks. In US sports, 'turnstile count' is common, while UK might use 'gate receipts' or 'attendance at the gate'.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with grandeur, history, or privacy (estate gates). US: More functional, associated with airports, sports stadiums, and suburban homes.
Frequency
Similar frequency, but context distribution varies slightly. The phrase 'crashing the gates' is more common in US political/social commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “gates” in a Sentence
the gates of + PLACE (the gates of the city)the gates to + PLACE/ABSTRACT (the gates to heaven)VERB + gates (open the gates, lock the gates)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gates” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The club gates its VIP section during large events.
- The farmer gates the livestock in at dusk.
American English
- The community gates its entrance for security.
- The school gates off the playground after hours.
adjective
British English
- The gated community had very high walls.
- We admired the gated entrance to the stately home.
American English
- They live in a gated neighborhood for safety.
- The gated access road is private property.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to physical access points to facilities. In finance, 'gate' can refer to a restriction on investor withdrawals.
Academic
Used in history/architecture (city gates). In computer science, 'logic gates' are fundamental.
Everyday
Refers to garden gates, parking lot gates, school gates, etc.
Technical
In electronics: logic gates (AND, OR, NOT). In aviation: boarding gates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gates”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gates”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gates”
- Using 'gate' as a singular for a pair of double gates (e.g., 'The gate to the garden are open' – incorrect; 'The gates... are open' – correct). Confusing 'gates' with 'gateway', which is a passage or structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but not exclusively. While typically for fences/walls outdoors, 'gates' can refer to indoor barriers in contexts like sports stadiums (player tunnel gates) or secure facilities.
A gate is usually part of a fence, wall, or outdoor boundary and is often larger, while a door is part of a building's structure. Gates are typically for pedestrian/vehicle passage through a perimeter; doors are for entering a building or room.
No, 'gates' is grammatically plural. The singular is 'gate'. However, a single structure with two leaves (double gates) is still referred to as 'the gates'.
They are metaphorically named because, like physical gates, they control the flow (of electrical signals/information). They allow a signal to pass through (output 1) or block it (output 0) based on logical conditions.
The plural form of 'gate', a movable barrier in a wall or fence used to close an opening, typically hinged or sliding.
Gates is usually neutral in register.
Gates: in British English it is pronounced /ɡeɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡeɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the pearly gates (entrance to heaven)”
- “open the floodgates”
- “crash the gates (gain unauthorized entry)”
- “gatekeeper (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a famous person with the surname 'Gates' (like Bill Gates) standing between two large, imposing iron GATES to his mansion.
Conceptual Metaphor
GATES ARE OPPORTUNITIES/CONTROL POINTS. (e.g., 'This discovery opens new gates in research', 'He controls the gates of information').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gates' LEAST likely to be used?