# gulf

/ˈɡəɫf/ (US) · /ɡˈʌlf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gulf
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. geography

noun · CEFR B1

a large area of sea that is almost surrounded by land.

For teachers: a portion of an ocean or sea extending into the land, typically larger and more deeply indented than a bay.

- The ship sailed across the gulf to reach the port city on the other side.
- The Gulf of Mexico is home to diverse marine ecosystems that are vital to the local fishing industry.

### 2. a big difference

noun · CEFR B2

a very big gap or difference between two people, groups, or ideas.

For teachers: a wide interval or metaphorical gap; a profound difference in opinion, status, or understanding between two parties.

- There is a growing gulf between the rich and the poor in many countries.
- Despite their shared history, a wide gulf of misunderstanding remained between the two negotiating teams during the summit.

### 3. a deep hole

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a very deep hole in the ground.

For teachers: a deep chasm, abyss, or hollow place in the earth.

- The mountain climbers looked down into the dark gulf below the cliff.
- The ancient myths describe a fiery gulf that separates the world of the living from the land of the dead.

### 4. mining

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a very large amount of metal ore found in one spot underground.

For teachers: a large, concentrated deposit of ore within a lode.

- The miners were excited to find a rich gulf of silver in the new tunnel.
- The survey indicated a significant gulf of copper ore, suggesting the lode was far more valuable than previously estimated.

Usage: Used specifically in the context of geological surveying and extraction.

## Examples

- The ship sailed across the Gulf of Mexico.
- The oil spill in the gulf caused significant damage to the local fishing industry and coastal wildlife.
- Despite their shared history, a widening gulf of misunderstanding grew between the two political factions, making any future compromise seem increasingly unlikely.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.