floodgate

noun

flood·​gate ˈfləd-ˌgāt 

1

: a gate for shutting out, admitting, or releasing a body of water : sluice

2

: something serving to restrain an outburst

opened the floodgates of criticism

Examples of floodgate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2016, the floodgates opened when performance rights were granted to regional theaters. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

In October, report leaked that Paramount was actively pursuing WBD, and the floodgates opened. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

With the official start of fall just days away, the floodgates are beginning to open up for colder weather footwear. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026

Critically, the case was brought by one private party and not as a class action, and the judgment was for $6 million, so the floodgates have opened for similar suits by anyone, and the flood has started. — Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flodgate

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for floodgate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

floodgate

noun

flood·​gate ˈfləd-ˌgāt 

: a gate (as in a canal) for controlling a body of water : sluice

Legal Definition

floodgate

noun

flood·​gate

: something serving to restrain an outburst (as of litigation)

—usually used in pl.

a decision that will open the floodgates for other claims