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gulf

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The definition of a gulf is a deep ravine or a deep inlet of the sea, or big divides or large distances between people caused by their differences or lack of understanding of each other.

(noun)

A deep inlet of the sea is an example of a gulf.
A situation where a parent and child cannot understand each other because of very different ideologies is an example of a situation where there is a gulf between them.

See gulf in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a large body of sea or ocean water, typically larger than a bay, that is partially enclosed by land
a wide, deep chasm or abyss
a wide or impassable gap or separation
an eddy that draws objects down; whirlpool

Origin: ME goulf < OFr golfe < It golfo < LGr kolphos, for Gr kolpos, a fold, bosom, gulf, prob. < IE *kwolpos < base *kwel-, to turn > Ger wölben, to arch

transitive verb

to swallow up; engulf

See gulf in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Abbr. G. A large area of a sea or ocean partially enclosed by land, especially a long landlocked portion of sea opening through a strait.
A deep, wide chasm; an abyss.
A wide gap, as in understanding: “the gulf between the Victorian sensibility and our own” (Babette Deutsch).
Something, such as a whirlpool, that draws down or engulfs.

transitive verb gulfed, gulf·ing, gulfs

To engulf.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English goulf

Origin: , from Old French golfe

Origin: , from Old Italian golfo

Origin: , from Late Latin colpus, colfus

Origin: , from Greek kolpos, bosom, gulf

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