1. Gates or sluices at the head of a canal, irrigation channel, or water system that control the flow of water into the channel.
Usage: Usually used in plural form.; Common in irrigation and water management contexts.

Examples

• The farmer opened the headgates to direct water from the river into the irrigation canal.
• During the dry season, the headgates are carefully regulated to distribute water fairly among all users.
• The headgates at the beginning of the canal system control how much water enters the main channel.
• Engineers inspected the headgates to ensure they were functioning properly before the irrigation season began.