gulf

¹gulf

noun \ˈgəlf\

Definition of GULF

1

: a part of an ocean or sea extending into the land

2

: a deep chasm : abyss

3

: whirlpool

4

: a wide gap <the gulf between generations>

Examples of GULF

1. <we dipped our feet in the warm waters of the gulf>
2. <the great gulf of time and space that separates us from the first inhabitants of North America>

Origin of GULF

Middle English goulf, from Middle French golfe, from Italian golfo, from Late Latin colpus, from Greek kolpos bosom, gulf; akin to Old English hwealf vault, Old High German walbo

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to GULF

Synonyms: arm, bay, bight, cove, creek [chiefly British], embayment, estuary, firth, fjord (also fiord), inlet, loch [Scottish]

Related Words: harbor, port, road(s), roadstead; narrow, sound, strait; bayou; backwater, slough (also slew or slue)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with GULF

golf