1
: a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (such as the earth) : gorge
built a bridge over the chasm
2
: a marked division, separation, or difference
the chasm between the rich and the poor

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is a chasm of mistrust between the two countries that diplomacy will struggle to bridge. Comfort Ero, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025 The Wealth Divide In The AI Era The rise of artificial intelligence is creating an economic chasm between those who control the technology and those who are displaced by it. Sam Sammane, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The awkward conversation between Alex and her estranged father Samuel (José Zúñiga) as traffic speeds between the pair emphasizes the chasm in their relationship. Courtney Howard, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 Looking up at the Blues in the standings, and trailing in the race for the second wild-card spot by five points — a chasm with just 12 games remaining, even if Vancouver has two games in hand — the Canucks have little margin for error on what remains of this critical six-game road trip. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chasm

Word History

Etymology

Latin chasma, from Greek; akin to Latin hiare to yawn — more at yawn

First Known Use

circa 1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chasm was circa 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chasm. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

chasm

noun
: a deep split or gap in the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on chasm

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