# stopgap

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstɒpɡæp/ · frequency rank #59,732

## Definitions
1. 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. 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.

## Etymology
The noun is derived from stop (“to close or block (an opening)”) + gap, from the phrase to stop a gap. The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun, and the verb is derived from the noun.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/stopgap