gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er ˈgāt-ˌkē-pər 

1

: one that tends or guards a gate

2

: a person who controls access

gatekeeping

ˈgāt-ˌkē-piŋ 

noun

Synonyms

• doorkeeper
• doorman
• janitor
• porter [chiefly British]

Examples of gatekeeper in a Sentence

those who are hopelessly unhip have little chance of making past the club's gatekeeper and his velvet rope

Recent Examples on the Web

By consistently showing up with authentic, actionable advice despite pushback from traditional financial gatekeepers, she's proven that resolve can transform personal lessons into global impact. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Indeed, the very purpose of open records laws is to prevent the government from acting as a gatekeeper of information. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 1 May 2025

These organizations serve as gatekeepers for institutions seeking access to over $120 billion in annual federal financial aid. Schools that lose accreditation risk becoming ineligible for these funds—a move that could financially devastate many institutions. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

Historian Ramirez revives the stories of an intriguing array of influential Medieval women, whom intervening gatekeepers attempted to scrub from the record. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gatekeeper

• beekeeper
• bookkeeper
• doorkeeper
• gamekeeper
• goalkeeper
• housekeeper
• innkeeper
• minesweeper
• peacekeeper
• shopkeeper
• storekeeper
• timekeeper

Kids Definition

gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər 

1

: a person who tends or guards a gate

2

: a person who controls access

Medical Definition

gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər 

: a health-care professional (as a primary care physician) who regulates access especially to hospitals and specialists

managed care plans rely on a designated physician gatekeeper to orchestrate and control the health care of its enrollees

—E. A. Halm et al.