gap
Gap (noun) means an empty space or opening between two things, or a break in something continuous. Example: “There was a gap in the fence where the wood had rotted away.”
How to use gap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA space where something is missing, or the difference between two amounts or situations.
The Gap the clothing brand is unrelated in spelling logic but named after the "generation gap" — don't confuse casual use of "the gap" with the countable noun.
Word forms
gapped past tense, gapped past tense, gaps plural, gaps singular, gaps singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was a _____ in the fence where the wood had rotted away.
Etymology
From Old Norse gap ("an empty space, chasm"), related to gapa, "to gape" — gap and gape share the same root.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “gap” mean?
The word “gap” means an empty space or opening between two things, or a break in something continuous. In plain terms, a space where something is missing, or the difference between two amounts or situations.
How do you pronounce “gap”?
“Gap” is pronounced gap (/ɡæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “gap” in a sentence?
Here is “gap” used in a sentence: “There was a gap in the fence where the wood had rotted away.”
What is another word for “gap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gap” include clearing, hole, opening, space, window and interim.
What part of speech is “gap”?
Depending on how it is used, “gap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gap” come from?
The word “gap” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse gap ("an empty space, chasm"), related to gapa, "to gape" — gap and gape share the same root.
Is “gap” a common word?
“Gap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “gap” have?
“Gap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an empty space or opening between two things, or a break in something continuous.
What is an example of a gap?
A gap can be physical or figurative. Physical examples include a gap in a fence, a gap between two parked cars, or a gap between your teeth. Figurative examples include a gap in someone's knowledge, a pay gap between groups, or a gap in the market for a new product.
What are the types of gap?
Gaps fall into two broad groups. Literal gaps are physical openings or spaces, like a gap in a hedge. Figurative gaps describe missing or uneven areas in abstract things, such as a generation gap, a skills gap, or a gap in a story where information is left out.
What is the difference between a gap and a space?
A space is any empty area, and it is often neutral or even welcome. A gap is more specific: an opening or break between two things, or a missing piece in something that should be continuous. A gap usually suggests that something is absent or incomplete.
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