How to pronounce stopgap
Say it like STAHP-gap. Stopgap has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STAHP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce stopgap. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STAHP
- gap
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Stopgap pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STAHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- gapGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of stopgap
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: STOP-gap.
What does stopgap mean?
- That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.
- Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.
- 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.“The small company used their old product with a few kludged enhancements as a stopgap until they could develop a new product.”
- Short-term; temporary.“They put a stopgap solution in place, but need something more permanent.”
- Filling a gap or pause.
- To stop up or fill (a physical gap or hole, or a hiatus).
- To use something as a short-term fix or temporary measure until a better alternative can be obtained.
- To work at a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire is made.
Where does stopgap come from?
The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying stopgap
How do you pronounce stopgap?
Say STAHP-gap. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɑpˌɡæp/. In British English it is /ˈstɒpɡæp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in stopgap?
Stopgap has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STAHP). Broken into parts: STAHP · gap.
Is stopgap pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈstɒpɡæp/ (STOP-gap).