gap

Definition

An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot."
• "We can slip through that gap between the buildings."
• "There is a gap between the roof and the gutter."