floodgate

American  

[fluhd-geyt] / ˈflʌdˌgeɪt /

noun

1. Civil Engineering. a gate designed to regulate the flow of water.

2. anything serving to control the indiscriminate flow or passage of something.

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floodgate British  

/ ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. Also called: head gate.   water gate.  a gate in a sluice that is used to control the flow of water See also sluicegate

2. (often plural) a control or barrier against an outpouring or flow

   to open the floodgates to immigration

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Etymology

Origin of floodgate

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; flood, gate ¹

Example Sentences

"The anticipated floodgate of claims has commenced, and Fifa's finances could take a huge hit at a time they are flying high after the expanded Club World Cup this year and World Cup in 2026."

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

Opening the doors to everyone has changed the game, because it’s just opened a floodgate of community and networks that we are able to build on at the showroom.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

"The environment of an American child has evolved, opening up a huge floodgate of the research we need to be doing. We've overlooked a really important, dynamic component of family life."

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

“That has then opened up the floodgate of expectations.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 29, 2023

But a 51-foot floodgate and an equally high seawall spanned the gap between the hills.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland