gulf

1 of 2

noun

ˈgəlf 

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

gulf

2 of 2

verb

gulfed; gulfing; gulfs

transitive verb

: engulf

Synonyms of gulf

Noun

• bay
• estuary
• cove
• firth

Verb

• flood
• engulf
• overwhelm

Examples of gulf in a Sentence

Noun

we dipped our feet in the warm waters of the gulf

the gulf of understanding between the two men was too wide for them to ever get along

Verb

with the administration gulfed by so many real problems, it's absurd for the president to concern himself with this nonissue

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The tournament has largely been a success from the football side, but the gulf in quality between teams has been notable at times, with individual errors rife. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026

However, ships have been increasingly trying to leave the gulf in recent days. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

Located in the gulf between Oman and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is recognized as one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. — Anniek Bao,sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 June 2026

The presence of a song from Lenker can’t help but highlight the gulf between Dance of Love and Dream Me a Dream. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gulf

• gulph
• engulf

Kids Definition

gulf

noun

ˈgəlf

1

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

2

: a deep hollow in the earth : chasm, abyss

3

: a difference between two people, groups, or things