Entry Word: gulf

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline <dipped our feet in the warm waters of the gulf>

Synonyms bay, bight, cove, creek [chiefly British], estuary, firth, fjord (or fiord), inlet, loch [Scottish]

Related Words harbor, port, road(s), roadstead; narrow, sound, strait; bayou

2 an immeasurable depth or space <the great gulf of time and space that separates us from the first inhabitants of North America> — see abyss
3 a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage <the gulf was too wide to cross, so we had to hike down into it and go through it> — see canyon
4 an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) <a wide gulf in the defensive wall meant the city was in grave danger> — see gap 1