gates

word · lemma: gate

/ˈɡeɪts/
gayts
/ɡˈeɪts/
gayts

Definition

A gate is a movable barrier at the entrance to a place such as a yard, school, or park. In travel, a gate is also the area at an airport where passengers wait to board a plane.

Usage & Nuances

For physical entrances, English often uses 'open the gate', 'close the gate', or 'go through the gate'. At airports, we say 'boarding gate' or simply 'gate 12'. Don't confuse 'gate' with a regular indoor 'door'.

Example Sentences

The gates of the park close at 8 p.m.

basic

Please lock the gates before you leave.

basic

Our flight leaves from gates 6 and 7.

basic

Security opened the gates after the concert ended.

natural

We got to the airport late and had to run to the gates.

natural

By noon, fans were already waiting outside the stadium gates.

natural