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

With a new gap in the airline industry, competitors such as United Airlines and Frontier Airlines have already announced additional flights and routes aimed at capitalizing on Spirit’s fallout.

From Los Angeles Times

Spurs have previously spoken about wanting to close the gap on the top clubs in the WSL but they lost ground last season and have acted slowly this summer.

From BBC

The money is awarded as either gap financing or soft loans, which have little or no interest.

From Los Angeles Times

That gap was enough to see her through the remainder of the set and force a decider, which Sabalenka took control of from the off with an immediate break.

From BBC

Lord Murphy's report, published on Thursday, found that there are still "some gaps" in how Northern Ireland politicians can influence EU laws that apply through the Windsor Framework.

From BBC

Related Words

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