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noun

stopgap

Stopgap (noun) means That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.

noun
1
That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.
2
Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.
3
A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution.
4
A person appointed or hired to fill a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire can be made; a temp.
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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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of stopgap?

"stopgap" (noun) means that which stops up or fills a gap or hole.

What are the different meanings of stopgap?

"stopgap" has 3 main meanings: 1. That which stops up or fills a gap or hole; 2. Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler; 3. A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution.

Definitions from wiktionary, CC BY-SA · etymology from Wiktionary