Meaning

(rare) That which stops up or fills a gap or hole..

Definitions by Sense

1. (rare) That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.
2. Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.
3. A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution.
4. Short-term; temporary.
5. Filling a gap or pause.
6. (transitive) To stop up or fill (a physical gap or hole, or a hiatus).
7. (intransitive) To use something as a short-term fix or temporary measure until a better alternative can be obtained.

Example Sentences

[A] bit of ink and paper which has long been an innocent wrapping or stop-gap may at last be laid open under the one pair of eyes which have knowledge enough to turn it into the opening of a catastrophe.

The small company used their old product with a few kludged enhancements as a stopgap until they could develop a new product.

Perhaps I shall be told that this wintry exhibition is a mere stopgap and makeshift, until a fresh supply of bright new paintings can be procured, and that it is ultra vires to obtain such for love or money before the merry month of May.

It is often argued that the HST saved BR's InterCity market. It was only ever intended as a stopgap, but it proved to be a winner.

They put a stopgap solution in place, but need something more permanent.

Word Forms

• stopgaps
• stop-gap
• stuff gap
• stopgapping
• stopgapped

Synonyms for stopgap

Related Words

When Should You Use Stopgap?

Use stopgap when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions