gulf

[ guhlf ]

noun

1. a portion of an ocean or sea partly enclosed by land.
2. a deep hollow; chasm or abyss.

   Synonyms: split, rift, cleft, gully, gorge, canyon

3. any wide separation, as in position, status, or education.
4. something that engulfs or swallows up.

verb (used with object)

1. to swallow up; engulf.

Gulf

¹

/ ɡʌlf /

noun

1. the Persian Gulf
2. 1. the Gulf of Carpentaria
   2. modifier of, relating to, or adjoining the Gulf

      Gulf country

3. the Hauraki Gulf

gulf

²

/ ɡʌlf /

noun

1. a large deep bay
2. a deep chasm
3. something that divides or separates, such as a lack of understanding
4. something that engulfs, such as a whirlpool

verb

1. tr to swallow up; engulf

gulf

/ gŭlf /

1. A large body of ocean or sea water that is partly surrounded by land.

Derived Forms

• ˈgulfˌlike, adjective
• ˈgulfy, adjective

Other Words From

• gulflike adjective
• gulfy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gulf¹

1300–50; Middle English go ( u ) lf < Old French golfe < Italian golfo < Late Greek kólphos, Greek kólpos bosom, lap, bay

Word History and Origins

Origin of gulf¹

C14: from Old French golfe, from Italian golfo, from Greek kolpos

Example Sentences

The Biden administration's policy towards the Horn of Africa was neither committed to principled multilateralism, nor ready to use its leverage with the Gulf states.

From BBC

Gulf leaders are aware of his closeness to Israel, but they also have good relations with him, and want him to use his influence and his fondness for deal-making to secure an end to conflicts in this region.

From BBC

Richer countries are willing to increase their contributions, as long as major emerging economies like China and the Gulf states also chip in.

From BBC

In sharp contrast to the fears voiced in Europe about Donald Trump’s famous unpredictability, Gulf Arab countries tend to view him as a force for stability.

From BBC

In 2020, to Iran’s fury but to the satisfaction of many in the Gulf Arab states, Trump ordered the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the leader of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force.

From BBC