gap

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

   gap between income and outgo

2. 2
   noun

   An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.

   He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.

3. 3
   noun

   An opening allowing passage or entrance.

   We can slip through that gap between the buildings.

4. 4
   noun

   An opening that implies a breach or defect.

   There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.

5. 5
   noun

   A vacant space or time.

   I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.

6. 6
   noun

   A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.

   I'm taking a gap.

7. 7
   noun

   A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.

   Their departure has left a gap in the workforce.

8. 8
   noun

   A mountain or hill pass.

   The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English gap /gappe, from Old Norse gap (“an empty space, gap, chasm”), from gapa (“to gape, scream”), from Proto-Germanic *gapōną, from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰeh₂- (“to open wide, gape”). Related to Danish gab (“an expanse, space, gap”), Old English ġeap (“open space, expanse”). Doublet of gape.