Search Dictionary
Definition of gulf

gulf

/ɡʌlf/
gulf

Plural:gulfs
•
Past Simple:gulfed
•
Past Participle:gulfed
•
Present Participle:gulfing
JUMP TO:

gulf Lexical Profile

gulf Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, deep inlet of an ocean or sea that is extensively surrounded by land and typically has a narrower mouth than a bay.

Example

"Warm currents flowing through the gulf help moderate the coastal climate throughout the winter."


2

A wide, profound division or separation between individuals, groups, or viewpoints, especially in beliefs, culture, or social status.

Example

"A growing gulf between management and staff made contract negotiations unusually difficult."


3

A deep ravine, chasm, or abyss in the earth.

Example

"The narrow mountain trail wound precariously along the edge of a rocky gulf."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gulf
Antonyms
View all antonyms for gulf

• verb

1

To swallow up, overwhelm, or surround completely as if in a deep chasm (archaic or literary).

Example

"Thick coastal fog soon gulfed the harbor and hid the anchored vessels from view."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gulf

• Rhymes for gulf

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English from Old French golfe, via Italian golfo and Late Latin colphus, ultimately from Ancient Greek kolpos ('bosom, fold of a garment, or curved bay').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gulf. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gulf
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.