gulf Hear it!

gulf definition

gulf (gulf)

noun

  1. a large body of sea or ocean water, typically larger than a bay, that is partially enclosed by land
  2. a wide, deep chasm or abyss
  3. a wide or impassable gap or separation
  4. an eddy that draws objects down; whirlpool

Etymology: ME goulf < OFr golfe < It golfo < LGr kolphos, for Gr kolpos, a fold, bosom, gulf, prob. < IE *kwolpos < base *kwel-, to turn > Ger wölben, to arch

transitive verb

to swallow up; engulf
gulf Idioms

the Gulf

  1. the Persian Gulf or the surrounding region
  2. the Gulf of Mexico or the surrounding region

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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