gulf 
/ˈgʌlf/ noun
plural gulfs /ˈgʌlf/ noun [count] 1 : a large area of ocean that is partly surrounded by land — often used in proper names ▪ the Gulf of Mexico ▪ the Persian Gulf — often used before another noun ▪ They have a home on the Gulf Coast. [=the coast of the Gulf of Mexico] ▪ the (Persian) Gulf region ▪ the Gulf states [=the U.S. states next to the Gulf of Mexico or the countries next to the Persian Gulf] 2 : a difference between two people, groups, or things — often + between ▪ The report examines the (widening) gulf [=gap, divide] between the state's rich and poor schools. ▪ The program is intended to help bridge the gulf between younger and older generations.
