gap
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.”
noun
1
An empty space or opening between two things, or a break in something continuous.
"There was a gap in the fence where the wood had rotted away."
"She squeezed through a gap between the parked cars."
"The cat slipped through a narrow gap under the garden gate."
2
A difference or shortfall between two things, especially an unfair or worrying one.
"The report highlighted the growing pay gap between men and women."
"Extra tutoring helped close the gap in his grades."
"Many people worry about the gap between rich and poor in their country."
verb
1
To leave open or unfilled, creating a gap; also, to stare open-mouthed.
"Carpenters gap the boards slightly so the wood can expand in summer."
"The curtains gapped in the middle, letting in a thin line of light."
"The old floorboards had started to gap after years of use."
How to use gap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA space where something is missing, or the difference between two amounts or situations.
Common mistake
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.
Common pairings
a gap in the market
bridge the gap
wage gap
gap year
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Word forms
- Plural
- gaps
- Third person singular
- gaps
- Past tense
- gapped
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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Related words
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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