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

Maybe that score will open the floodgates. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

The floodgates have, now, opened. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

In his car, Lestat is no longer able to repress his memories after having opened the floodgates. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Just after Oswald Peraza struck out with runners at second and third in the sixth, the floodgates finally opened. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 14 June 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