gap: Meaning and Definition of

gap

Pronunciation: (gap), [key]
— n., v., gapped, gap•ping.
—n.
  1. a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach: We found a gap in the enemy's line of fortifications.
  2. an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; hiatus: a momentary gap in a siren's wailing; a gap in his memory.
  3. a wide divergence or difference; disparity: the gap between expenses and income; the gap between ideals and actions.
  4. a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or a lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem: the technology gap; a communications gap.
  5. a deep, sloping ravine or cleft through a mountain ridge.
  6. a mountain pass: the Cumberland Gap.
  7. the distance between one supporting surface of an airplane and another above or below it.
—v.t.
  1. to make a gap, opening, or breach in.
—v.i.
  1. to come open or apart; form or show a gap.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • gap (Thesaurus)