noun
stopgap
Stopgap (noun) means something used to fill or block a gap.
noun
1
Something used to fill or block a gap.
2
A word or sound people use to fill an awkward silence while speaking.
3
A quick, temporary solution used until a proper one can be found.
"The small company used their old product with a few kludged enhancements as a stopgap until they could develop a new product."
"It is often argued that the HST saved BR's InterCity market. It was only ever intended as a stopgap, but it proved to be a winner."
— Pip Dunn, The Next King of Scotland (2019)
4
Someone given a job for a short time until a permanent replacement is found.
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Etymology
The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap. The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun, and the verb is derived from the noun.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of stopgap?
"stopgap" (noun) means something used to fill or block a gap.
What is another word for stopgap?
Other words for "stopgap" include makeshift, hack, bodge, patch, workaround, kludge.
What are the different meanings of stopgap?
"stopgap" has 3 main meanings: 1. Something used to fill or block a gap; 2. A word or sound people use to fill an awkward silence while speaking; 3. A quick, temporary solution used until a proper one can be found.
