Gates vs. Gate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 22, 2023
"Gates" is the plural form of "Gate," which refers to a barrier used to close an opening.
Key Differences
Both "Gates" and "Gate" fundamentally refer to the same concept—a structure that closes an opening. However, "Gates" is simply the plural form, implying multiple such barriers, while "Gate" refers to just one.
When you hear the term "Gates," it suggests multiple entry or exit points. For instance, an airport might have several gates for different flights. On the other hand, "Gate" might reference a specific entry or exit point within that larger structure.
In literature or figurative speech, "Gates" often signifies numerous opportunities or pathways. "Gate," however, might symbolize a single, pivotal moment or opportunity.
There can be confusion when "Gates" is used in a singular possessive form, such as in names (like "Bill Gates's company"). Here, "Gates" isn't referring to multiple barriers but is instead part of a proper noun. "Gate," being singular, doesn't present this complexity.
In summary, while both "Gates" and "Gate" revolve around the idea of a barrier or entrance, their primary distinction is in number—one vs. multiple.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Plural (more than one)
Singular (one)
Common Usage
Multiple entry/exit points
A specific entry or exit point
Figurative Meaning
Several opportunities or pathways
A single pivotal moment or opportunity
Possessive Complexity
Can be confusing in possessive singular (e.g., names)
Straightforward in its singular form
Definition
Barriers used to close multiple openings
A barrier used to close an opening
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Gates and Gate Definitions
Gates
Multiple barriers or entrances.
The castle had two massive gates.
Gate
A hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall or fence.
She walked through the garden gate.
Gates
Several points of access or egress.
The festival had gates on both the north and south sides.
Gate
An entrance or means of access.
The gate to success is persistence.
Gates
Numerous checkpoints or terminals.
The airport announced upgrades to several gates.
Gate
A framework for holding a saw or cutting tool.
He secured the wood in the cutting gate.
Gates
Various barriers to entry in a field or industry.
She had to navigate the gates of the publishing world.
Gate
A structure that can be swung, drawn, or lowered to block an entrance or a passageway.
Gates
Multiple specific moments or opportunities.
He faced the gates of decision in his life.
Gate
An opening in a wall or fence for entrance or exit.
Gates
Plural of gate
Gate
The structure surrounding such an opening, such as the monumental or fortified entrance to a palace or walled city.
Gates
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
Gate
A doorway or walkway in a terminal, as at an airport, through which passengers proceed when embarking or disembarking.
Gate
A waiting area inside a terminal, abutting such a doorway or walkway.
Gate
A means of access
The gate to riches.
Gate
A mountain pass.
Gate
The total paid attendance or admission receipts at a public event
A good gate at the football game.
Gate
A device for controlling the passage of water or gas through a dam or conduit.
Gate
The channel through which molten metal flows into a shaped cavity of a mold.
Gate
(Sports) A passage between two upright poles through which a skier must go in a slalom race.
Gate
A logic gate.
Gate
A path or way.
Gate
A particular way of acting or doing; manner.
Gate
Chiefly British To confine (a student) to the grounds of a college as punishment.
Gate
(Electronics) To select part of (a wave) for transmission, reception, or processing by magnitude or time interval.
Gate
To furnish with a gate
"The entrance to the rear lawn was also gated" (Dean Koontz).
Gate
A doorlike structure outside a house.
Gate
Doorway, opening, or passage in a fence or wall.
Gate
Movable barrier.
The gate in front of the railroad crossing went up after the train had passed.
Gate
Passageway (as in an air terminal) where passengers can embark or disembark.
Gate
A location which serves as a conduit for transport, migration, or trade.
Gate
The amount of money made by selling tickets to a concert or a sports event.
Gate
(computing) A logical pathway made up of switches which turn on or off. Examples are and, or, nand, etc.
Gate
(electronics) The controlling terminal of a field effect transistor (FET).
Gate
In a lock tumbler, the opening for the stump of the bolt to pass through or into.
Gate
(metalworking) The channel or opening through which metal is poured into the mould; the ingate.
Gate
The waste piece of metal cast in the opening; a sprue or sullage piece. Also written geat and git.
Gate
(cricket) The gap between a batsman's bat and pad.
Singh was bowled through the gate, a very disappointing way for a world-class batsman to get out.
Gate
(cinematography) A mechanism, in a film camera and projector, that holds each frame momentarily stationary behind the aperture.
Gate
(flow cytometry) A line that separates particle type-clusters on two-dimensional dot plots.
Gate
A tally mark consisting of four vertical bars crossed by a diagonal, representing a count of five.
Gate
A way, path.
Gate
(obsolete) A journey.
Gate
A street; now used especially as a combining form to make the name of a street e.g. "Briggate" (a common street name in the north of England meaning "Bridge Street") or Kirkgate meaning "Church Street".
Gate
Manner; gait.
Gate
(transitive) To keep something inside by means of a closed gate.
Gate
(transitive) To punish, especially a child or teenager, by not allowing them to go out.
Gate
To open a closed ion channel.
Gate
(transitive) To furnish with a gate.
Gate
(transitive) To turn (an image intensifier) on and off selectively as needed, or to avoid damage from excessive light exposure. See autogating.
Gate
A large door or passageway in the wall of a city, of an inclosed field or place, or of a grand edifice, etc.; also, the movable structure of timber, metal, etc., by which the passage can be closed.
Gate
An opening for passage in any inclosing wall, fence, or barrier; or the suspended framework which closes or opens a passage. Also, figuratively, a means or way of entrance or of exit.
Knowest thou the way to Dover?Both stile and gate, horse way and footpath.
Opening a gate for a long war.
Gate
A door, valve, or other device, for stopping the passage of water through a dam, lock, pipe, etc.
Gate
The places which command the entrances or access; hence, place of vantage; power; might.
The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Gate
In a lock tumbler, the opening for the stump of the bolt to pass through or into.
Gate
The channel or opening through which metal is poured into the mold; the ingate.
Gate
A way; a path; a road; a street (as in Highgate).
I was going to be an honest man; but the devil has this very day flung first a lawyer, and then a woman, in my gate.
Gate
Manner; gait.
Gate
To supply with a gate.
Gate
To punish by requiring to be within the gates at an earlier hour than usual.
Gate
A door-like movable barrier in a fence or wall
Gate
A computer circuit with several inputs but only one output that can be activated by particular combinations of inputs
Gate
Total admission receipts at a sports event
Gate
Passageway (as in an air terminal) where passengers can embark or disembark
Gate
Supply with a gate;
The house was gated
Gate
Control with a valve or other device that functions like a gate
Gate
Restrict (school boys') movement to the dormitory or campus as a means of punishment
Gate
A checkpoint or terminal for passengers to board flights.
His flight departs from gate B3.
Gate
An electronic circuit with several inputs but only one output.
The AND gate is fundamental in digital circuits.
FAQs
Does "Gate" always indicate a physical structure?
Mostly, but it can also be figurative, like "gate to success."
Can "Gates" refer to just one barrier?
Typically no, but it can appear singular in proper names or possessive forms.
Are all "Gates" hinged?
No, some may slide or have other mechanisms.
Is "Gate" ever pluralized?
Yes, as "Gates" when referring to multiple barriers.
Can "Gates" refer to doors?
Sometimes, but "Gate" typically implies a larger or outdoor barrier.
Is "Gates" used in electronic terminology?
Typically, "Gate" is used, as in "AND gate" in digital circuits.
Are "Gates" and "Gate" synonyms?
No, "Gates" is the plural form of "Gate."
Can "Gates" refer to moments or opportunities?
Yes, it can be used figuratively, but usually indicates multiple instances.
Can "Gate" be used in naming?
Yes, as seen in names like "Golden Gate Bridge."
Can "Gate" imply security or restriction?
Yes, it can symbolize a point of access or barrier.
Do all airports have "Gates"?
Most do, as points for passengers to board flights.
Is "Gate" used in literature?
Yes, both literally and figuratively.
Can "Gates" symbolize challenges?
Figuratively, yes, indicating multiple barriers or challenges.
Can a stadium have multiple "Gates"?
Absolutely, for different entry and exit points.
Is "Gates" only used for barriers?
While commonly so, it can also be figurative or part of names.
Can "Gate" be used in technology?
Yes, especially in electronics and digital circuits.
Can a "Gate" be electronic?
Yes, especially in digital circuit contexts.
Is there a cultural significance to "Gate"?
In some cultures, it can symbolize transitions or pivotal moments.
Do all fences have "Gates"?
Not necessarily, but many do for access.
Is a "Gate" always made of metal?
No, they can be made of wood, metal, or other materials.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
