gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er ˈgāt-ˌkē-pər How to pronounce gatekeeper (audio)
1
: one that tends or guards a gate
2
: a person who controls access
gatekeeping noun

Examples of gatekeeper in a Sentence

those who are hopelessly unhip have little chance of making past the club's gatekeeper and his velvet rope
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Snyder’s emphasis on moral mythology in those artistic blockbusters confused cultural gatekeepers, displeasing fanboys of Marvel and The Dark Knight. Armond White, National Review, 18 July 2025 Arab Creators Aren’t Waiting for Permission Across every venue, from AIFF’s Pitching Platforms to its Spark Series, a clear message emerged: Arab filmmakers are moving with or sometimes without institutional gatekeepers. Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 July 2025 The warning signs had been building: a leadership scandal, pandemic-era shutdowns, and an evolving comedy economy where the algorithm dictated who broke through as much as any industry gatekeeper. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025 There are no tuition gatekeepers, no entrance exams, no discriminatory restrictions. Clinton McCracken, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gatekeeper

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gatekeeper was in 1572

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Cite this Entry

“Gatekeeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gatekeeper. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

gatekeeper

noun
gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər How to pronounce gatekeeper (audio)
1
: a person who tends or guards a gate
2
: a person who controls access

Medical Definition

gatekeeper

noun
gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər How to pronounce gatekeeper (audio)
: a health-care professional (as a primary care physician) who regulates access especially to hospitals and specialists
managed care plans rely on a designated physician gatekeeper to orchestrate and control the health care of its enrolleesE. A. Halm et al.

More from Merriam-Webster on gatekeeper

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