gap

[gap]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• gappy adjective
• gapless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gap¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gap¹

C14: from Old Norse gap chasm; related to gapa to _gape , Swedish gap, Danish gab open mouth, opening

Example Sentences

The incident highlights a gap in California law for the hundreds of autonomous vehicles roaming the streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times

The changes made by the OBR to the UK's underlying rate of growth could add considerably to the gap in the public finances Reeves has to bridge in the Budget.

From BBC

He also gives a lengthy explanation involving the playing cards and days of the year to essentially say that the Joker represents gaps in time, whatever that means.

From Salon

Rather than remaining five points behind, Arsenal have instead closed the gap.

From BBC

“It’s basically just the gap between the housing you have and the housing you need,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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