gulf

1 of 2

noun

ˈgəlf How to pronounce gulf (audio)
Synonyms of gulfnext
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

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Noun

Verb

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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
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.
Noun
Billionaires buying up South Florida real estate, corporate expansions and a widening gulf between luxury and everyday home prices are changing Miami-Dade’s economic landscape. — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 From the start of Operation Epic Fury, a major gulf has existed between Saudi Arabia’s public statements and reports of its private activity. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026
Verb
The Anna Bowden of this Cape Fear bridges that gulf a little. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gulf

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gulf was in the 15th century

Rhymes for gulf

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Browse Nearby Words

gules
gulf
Gulf coast tick
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Cite this Entry

“Gulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gulf. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on gulf

Nglish: Translation of gulf for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gulf

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