turnstile
TURN-style
/ˈtɜːrnstaɪl/
A mechanical gate consisting of revolving horizontal arms projected from a central post, allowing only one person to pass at a time.
Specifically refers to the physical barrier used for crowd control and ticket verification, not just any gate.
The story behind the word. A compound of turn and stile, which originally referred to an arrangement of steps for passing over a fence. It was first used in agricultural fields to let humans pass while keeping livestock contained.
Word relationships
- baffle gate: Baffle gate is a more technical, industrial term for crowd control barriers.
- open gateway: Open gateway allows unrestricted, free-flowing passage without any physical barriers.
Commonly confused with
- revolving door: A revolving door is a full-height glass door system used for climate control, while a turnstile is waist-high and used for ticketing and access control.
Word family
- turnstiles (noun): plural of turnstile
Collocations
- click of the turnstile
- pass through a turnstile
- electronic turnstile
- subway turnstile
Example sentences
- "To enter the stadium, each spectator had to scan their ticket and push through the metal turnstile." Entering a stadium
- "The commuter rushed through the turnstile just as the train doors were closing." Subway access
Memory hook
Picture a style of gate that turns when you push it. Turn the bar to style your entry.
When not to use
Do not use for standard swing gates, sliding doors, or open entryways that do not restrict passage to one person at a time.
Fun facts
- The first patent for a turnstile was granted to Clarence Saunders, who used it in his Piggly Wiggly grocery stores to control customer flow.
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