View synonyms for

starting gate

noun

any of various types of movable barriers for lining up and giving an equal start to the entries in a horse or dog race.

starting gate

noun

a movable barrier so placed on the starting line of a racecourse that the raising of it releases all the contestants simultaneously
the US name for starting stalls

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of starting gate¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In fact, only 20 of them make the starting gate and you only get one chance — when they are a 3-year-old.

From

Citizen Bull will have enough points to make the starting gate, while Barnes, a $3.2-million purchase, will be left at home.

From

Even finishing last in Saturday’s race will bring him more points, most assuredly gaining him a spot in the Derby starting gate.

From

The Kentucky Derby picture got more muddled after the penultimate series of races to determine which horses will make the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 3.

From

The way he sees it, his team has only earned a spot at the starting gate.

From

starting block starting grid

Browse