starting gate

noun

1. any of various types of movable barriers for lining up and giving an equal start to the entries in a horse or dog race.

starting gate

noun

1. a movable barrier so placed on the starting line of a racecourse that the raising of it releases all the contestants simultaneously
2. See starting stalls
   the US name for starting stalls

Word History and Origins

Origin of starting gate¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The New York Islanders are looking down at the rest of the East division despite stumbling out of the starting gate.

From Washington Post

Running shoes will become more comfortable over time, but they should fit properly right out of the starting gate.

From Popular-Science

In short, I feel put on the spot, and come up lame right out of the starting-gate.

From The Daily Beast

Kerrey hasn't exactly blasted his way out of the starting gate.

From The Daily Beast

Our seats afforded a fine view of the 20 3-year-olds breaking from the starting gate.

From The Daily Beast

Through a maze of heat, a half-mile distant, at the starting-gate, little spots of color moved in impatient circles.

From Project Gutenberg

I patted Tapwater's flank, and so help me Newton, I think that one gentle tap pushed the colt half way to the starting gate!

From Project Gutenberg

Then, amid a murmur of excitement, the starting-gate went up, and the horses were off.

From Project Gutenberg

He drilled every last one of his two-year-olds till the starting gate was no more to them than so much steel and wood and webbing.

From Project Gutenberg

So, perfectly calm and very much bored, he danced to the starting-gate on the chestnut filly.

From Project Gutenberg