First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1gap
noun \ˈgap\
: a space between two people or things
: a hole or space where something is missing
: a missing part
Full Definition of GAP
1
a : a break in a barrier (as a wall, hedge, or line of military defense) b : an assailable position
2
a : a mountain pass b : ravine
3
4
a : a separation in space b : an incomplete or deficient area <a gap in her knowledge>
5
: a break in continuity : hiatus
6
: a break in the vascular cylinder of a plant where a vascular trace departs from the central cylinder
7
: lack of balance : disparity <the gap between imports and exports>
8
: a wide difference in character or attitude <the generation gap>
9
: a problem caused by some disparity <a communication gap> <credibility gap>
— gap·py \ˈga-pē\ adjective
See gap defined for English-language learners
See gap defined for kids
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Origin of GAP
Middle English, from Old Norse, chasm, hole; akin to Old Norse gapa to gape
Related to GAP
- Synonyms
- breach, break, discontinuity, gulf, hiatus, hole, interstice, interval, opening, rent, rift, separation, void
- Antonyms
- continuation, continuity
2gap
verb
gappedgap·ping
Definition of GAP
transitive verb
1
: to make an opening in
2
: to adjust the space between the electrodes of (a spark plug)
intransitive verb
: to fall or stand open
First Known Use of GAP
1879
GAP Defined for Kids
gap
noun \ˈgap\
Definition of GAP for Kids
1
: an opening made by a break or rupture <She squeezed through a gap in the fence.>
2
: an opening between mountains
3
: a hole or space where something is missing <There are some gaps in his story.>
Medical Dictionary
gap
noun \ˈgap\
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