noun
floodgate
Floodgate (noun) means a gate that can be opened or closed to control water flowing through a channel.
noun
1
A gate that can be opened or closed to control water flowing through a channel.
2
Something that holds back or limits a sudden rush of people, feeling, or similar things.
"“The floodgates for advertising on cable are down,” says Michael Dann, a leading consultant on cable television."
— Sandra Salmans, Will cable TV be invaded by commercials? (1981)
3
A strong rush of water flowing through a floodgate.
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Etymology
Came from Middle English flodegate, flodgate, flodeyate, floodȝate, flodȝete, equivalent to flood plus gate.
Synonyms
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sluicegate
penstock
Related words
Rhymes for floodgate
See all rhymes for floodgate →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of floodgate?
"floodgate" (noun) means a gate that can be opened or closed to control water flowing through a channel.
What is another word for floodgate?
Other words for "floodgate" include sluicegate, penstock.
What are the different meanings of floodgate?
"floodgate" has 3 main meanings: 1. A gate that can be opened or closed to control water flowing through a channel; 2. Something that holds back or limits a sudden rush of people, feeling, or similar things; 3. A strong rush of water flowing through a floodgate.