starting gate
noun
1
: a mechanically operated barrier used as a starting device for a race
2
: a barrier that when knocked aside by a competitor (such as a skier) starts an electronic timing device
Examples of starting gate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
—Andrew Dampf, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
But just one week out from the race, the colt sustained a right front leg fracture while training and never made it to the Derby starting gate.
—Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starting gate
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Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
—Andrew Dampf, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
But just one week out from the race, the colt sustained a right front leg fracture while training and never made it to the Derby starting gate.
—Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for starting gate
Cite this Entry
“Starting gate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starting%20gate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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