Gate
A gate or gateway is a point of entry to or from a space enclosed by walls. The word is derived from Proto-Germanic *gatan, meaning an opening or passageway. Synonyms include yett and portal. The concept originally referred to the gap or hole in the wall or fence, rather than a barrier which closed it. Gates may prevent or control the entry or exit of individuals, or they may be merely decorative. The moving part or parts of a gateway may be considered "doors", as they are fixed at one side whilst opening and closing like one.
A gate might have a latch that can be raised and lowered to both open a gate or prevent it from swinging. Gate operation can be either automated or manual. Locks are also used on gates to increase security.
Larger gates can be used for a whole building, such as a castle or fortified town. Doors can also be considered gates when they are used to block entry as prevalent within a gatehouse.
Purpose-specific types of gate
- Baby gate: a safety gate to protect babies and toddlers
- Badger gate: gate to allow badgers to pass through rabbit-proof fencing
- City gate of a walled city
- Hampshire gate
- Kissing gate on a footpath
- Lychgate with a roof
- Mon Japanese: gate. The religious torii compares to the Chinese pailou, Indian torana, Indonesian Paduraksa and Korean hongsalmun. Mon are widespread in Japanese gardens.
- Portcullis of a castle
- Race gate used for checkpoints on race tracks
- Slip gate on footpaths
- Turnstile
- Watergate of a castle by navigable water
- Slalom skiing gates
- Wicket gate