gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er ˈgāt-ˌkē-pər 

1

: one that tends or guards a gate

2

: a person who controls access

gatekeeping

ˈgāt-ˌkē-piŋ 

noun

Synonyms

• doorkeeper
• doorman
• janitor
• porter [chiefly British]

Examples of gatekeeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to the main home, there’s also a 3,500-square-foot guesthouse that’s currently being used by the ranch’s full-time gatekeeper, as well as a workshop, six-car garage, and of course, those breathtaking grounds with endless recreational opportunities. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024

And in Los Angeles that was even more significant because until the early years of the last decade, Dr. Dre acted as an almost omnipotent gatekeeper controlling the levers of L.A. commercial hip-hop. —Liz Sanchez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər 

1

: a person who tends or guards a gate

2

: a person who controls access

Medical Definition

gatekeeper

noun

gate·​keep·​er -ˌkē-pər 

: 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 enrollees

—E. A. Halm et al.