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noun

gatekeeper

GAYT-kee-puh

Gatekeeper (noun) means a person or group that controls who or what gets access to something. Example: “Editors act as gatekeepers deciding which stories get published.”

noun
1
A person or group that controls who or what gets access to something.
"Editors act as gatekeepers deciding which stories get published."
"The receptionist is the office's unofficial gatekeeper."
2
A person who physically guards or watches over a gate.
"The old gatekeeper lived in a small lodge by the estate entrance."

How to use gatekeeper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who controls access or decides who is allowed through — literally at a gate, or figuratively in an organization or process.

Common pairings
act as gatekeeper gatekeeper role bypass the gatekeeper

Word forms

gatekeepers plural

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Fill the gap

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Editors act as _____ deciding which stories get published.

Etymology

From "gate" plus "keeper."

porter doorman ostiary doorkeeper door guard hall porter

Related words

Rhymes for gatekeeper

See all rhymes for gatekeeper →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gatekeeper” mean?

The word “gatekeeper” means a person or group that controls who or what gets access to something. In plain terms, someone who controls access or decides who is allowed through — literally at a gate, or figuratively in an organization or process.

How do you pronounce “gatekeeper”?

“Gatekeeper” is pronounced GAYT-kee-puh (/ˈɡeɪt.ki.pɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gatekeeper” in a sentence?

Here is “gatekeeper” used in a sentence: “Editors act as gatekeepers deciding which stories get published.”

What part of speech is “gatekeeper”?

“Gatekeeper” is a noun.

How many meanings does “gatekeeper” have?

“Gatekeeper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or group that controls who or what gets access to something.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial