water gap

American  

noun

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

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water gap British  

noun

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

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water gap Scientific  

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

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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 • Jun. 28, 2022

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 "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Busily the launch chugged across the intervening water gap.

From The Submarine Boys for the Flag Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam by Durham, Victor G.