: a gate for controlling the water flowing into a channel (such as an irrigation ditch)

Examples of headgate in a Sentence

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.
Seus agreed with DuVal that an ugly situation between the headgate demonstrators and the federal government would reflect poorly on the Klamath Basin. oregonlive, 4 June 2021 In April, Dan Nielsen and Grant Knoll bought property next to the irrigation canal headgate in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Rachel Ramirez, Lucy Kafanov and Leslie Perrot, CNN, 10 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headgate was in 1772

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Cite this Entry

“Headgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headgate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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