side gate

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A gate on the side of a house or property, leading to the back garden or yard.

   Grammar: Countable: the side gate, two side gates.

   Patterns

   • through the side gate
   • the side gate to something

   Please leave the bins by the side gate.

   The delivery driver came in through the side gate.

   He forgot to lock the side gate again.

2. 2nouncountable

   A smaller secondary entrance to a large place such as a school, park or stadium.

   Grammar: Often contrasted with the main gate.

   Patterns

   • use the side gate
   • at the side gate

   Students must use the side gate after six o'clock.

   The park's side gate opens onto the river path.

   Fans queued at the side gate for autographs.

Word forms

Common combinations

lock the side gate

Don't forget to lock the side gate tonight.

open the side gate

I'll open the side gate for the gardeners.

wooden side gate

The wooden side gate needs a coat of paint.

through the side gate

She slipped out through the side gate.

side gate access

Side gate access is for residents only.

Synonyms and how they differ

back gate

Back gate refers to the rear of a property, whereas a side gate is on the flank.

side entrance

Side entrance can be a door or a gate, while side gate is only a gate.

garden gate

Garden gate describes where it leads rather than which side it is on.

wicket

Wicket is a small door set into a larger gate, so it describes a different design.

Opposites

Word family

gate noun

a hinged barrier in a fence or wall

gateway noun

an entrance with or without a gate

gatepost noun

the post a gate hangs from

gatekeeper noun

a person who controls an entrance

Commonly confused: side gate or Sidegate?

Practice

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