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 The 20 horses with the most points get a starting gate post. Javier Zarracina, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024 On Saturday at Pimlico Race Course, eight horses will be ushered expertly into their starting gate stalls. Abigail Gruskin, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2024 Horses line up at a 65-foot starting gate that stretches across the track. Javier Zarracina, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024 The horses will break from posts 1 through 18 in the 20-stall starting gate. Beth Harris, ajc, 6 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for starting gate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'starting gate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of starting gate was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near starting gate

Cite this Entry

“Starting gate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starting%20gate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!