gap

[[t]gæ̱p[/t]]

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gaps

1) N-COUNT A gap is a space between two things or a hole in the middle of something solid.

He pulled the thick curtains together, leaving just a narrow gap.

...the wind tearing through gaps in the window frames.

2) N-COUNT: oft N of n A gap is a period of time when you are not busy or when you stop doing something that you normally do.

There followed a gap of four years, during which William joined the Army.

Syn:

hiatus

3) N-COUNT: usu with supp If there is something missing from a situation that prevents it being complete or satisfactory, you can say that there is a gap.

The manifesto calls for a greater effort to recruit young scientists to fill the gap left by a wave of retirements expected over the next decade.

Like a good businessman, Stewart identified a gap in the market.

4) N-COUNT: with supp, oft N between pl-n A gap between two groups of people, things, or sets of ideas is a big difference between them.

...the gap between rich and poor...

America's trade gap widened...

Britain needs to bridge the technology gap between academia and industry.

Syn:

gulf