Search Dictionary
Definition of floodgate

floodgate

/ˈflʌd.ɡeɪt/
flood · gate
Plural:floodgates
JUMP TO:

floodgate Lexical Profile

floodgate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An adjustable gate or barrier used to control the flow of water in a river, canal, dam, or reservoir.

Example

"Engineers raised the heavy steel floodgate to relieve the dangerous water pressure building up behind the dam."

2

A restraint or check that holds back an outpouring of something, such as emotions, tears, or actions (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The landmark court ruling opened the floodgates to hundreds of similar environmental lawsuits across the country."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for floodgate

• Nearby Words

flogging
flood
floodable
floodgate
flooding
floodlight
floodlighting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of "flood" (from Old English flōd, meaning a flowing of water) and "gate" (from Old English geat, meaning an opening or hinged barrier).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Floodgate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/floodgate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.