gap

American  

[gap] / gæp /

noun

1. a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach.

   We found a gap in the enemy's line of fortifications.

2. an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; hiatus.

   a momentary gap in a siren's wailing; a gap in his memory.

   Synonyms:

   lull, interlude, break, interstice, pause

3. a wide divergence or difference; disparity.

   the gap between expenses and income; the gap between ideals and actions.

4. a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or a lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem.

   the technology gap; a communications gap.

5. a deep, sloping ravine or cleft through a mountain ridge.

6. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. a mountain pass.

   the Cumberland Gap.

7. Aeronautics. the distance between one supporting surface of an airplane and another above or below it.

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verb (used with object)

gapped, gapping

1. to make a gap, opening, or breach in.

verb (used without object)

gapped, gapping

1. to come open or apart; form or show a gap.

gap British  

/ ɡæp /

noun

1. a break or opening in a wall, fence, etc

2. a break in continuity; interruption; hiatus

   there is a serious gap in the accounts

3. a break in a line of hills or mountains affording a route through

4. a gorge or ravine

5. a divergence or difference; disparity

   there is a gap between his version of the event and hers

   the generation gap

6. electronics

   1. a break in a magnetic circuit that increases the inductance and saturation point of the circuit

   2. See spark gap

7. to remedy a deficiency

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verb

1. (tr) to make a breach or opening in

Other Word Forms

• gapless
  adjective
• gappy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gap

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old Norse: “chasm”; akin to Old Norse gapa “to open the mouth wide” ( see gape ( def. ))

Explanation

A gap is the space between two things. It can be physical (like "the gap between your two front teeth") or philosophical (like "the generation gap" between you and your parents). Gap is a small word that packs a lot; it can be used in a straightforward manner: in England, the signs in the subway station say, "Mind the gap" — in hopes that passengers will not wander into the space between the train and the platform. The American retailer, "The Gap," is said to have taken its name from the generation gap. The clothes were designed for teenagers and young adults, and therefore nothing your middle-aged parents would be caught dead in. Times change.

Example Sentences

Gap declined 26% overall and 19% year to date, but is testing $20 support with a bullish hammer, targeting $30 for a 44% gain.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Donald Kohler will join Gap as global brand president and chief executive of its Banana Republic brand, the retailer said Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

The bases were meant to guard the so-called Fulda Gap, a corridor between the East German border and Frankfurt that was considered a potential path for a Soviet invasion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Both Gap and Urban Outfitters have tried to roll out new gear and new marketing to bring consumers back into stores.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

When I got a higher-paying job at Gap Kids, he'd hang out at the mall, try on the latest in children's fashions, and eat his way through the food court.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• chasm
• crack
• cut
• difference
• disagreement
• disparity
• divergence
• divide
• division
• hole
• inconsistency
• rift
• void