water gap

American  

noun

1. a transverse gap in a mountain ridge, cut by and giving passage to a stream or river.

---

water gap British  

noun

1. a deep valley in a ridge, containing a stream

---

water gap Scientific  

1. A transverse cleft in a mountain ridge through which a stream flows.

---

Etymology

Origin of water gap

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

The report suggests a number of recommendations to close the water gap, including that Congress appropriate around $42 billion in new spending to create long-term, sustainable water and sanitation access for all Americans.

From Seattle Times

Pictures and video on social media showed a wall of flames not far from Interstate 80, which winds through the water gap and was backed up in both directions.

From Washington Times

Buka lies out of sight of the closest island to the west and could have been reached only by crossing a water gap of about 100 miles.

From Literature

The Campster | The Delaware Water Gap A water gap is a place where a river has carved through a mountain range.

From New York Times

The two daredevils roared down long run-in ramps at around 100 mph and cleared the water gap at Embarcadero Marina Park on San Diego Bay.

From Washington Post