gulf
/ˈgʌlf/ noun plural gulfs
[
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.