Main Difference
The main difference between Strait and Gulf is that the Strait is a narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger, navigable bodies of water and Gulf is a large bay that is an arm of an ocean or sea.
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Strait
A strait is a naturally formed, narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger bodies of water. Most commonly it is a channel of water that lies between two land masses. Some straits are not navigable, for example because they are too shallow, or because of an unnavigable reef or archipelago.
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Gulf
A gulf is a large inlet from the ocean into the landmass, typically with a narrower opening than a bay; though this is not observable in all geographic areas so named. The term gulf was traditionally used for large, highly indented, navigable bodies of salt water which are enclosed by the coastline. Many gulfs are major shipping areas, such as the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf of Aden.
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Strait (adjective)
Narrow; restricted as to space or room; close.
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Strait (adjective)
Righteous, strict.
“to follow the strait and narrow”
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Strait (adjective)
Tight; close; tight-fitting.
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Strait (adjective)
Close; intimate; near; familiar.
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Strait (adjective)
Difficult; distressful.
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Strait (adjective)
Parsimonious; stingy; mean.
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Strait (noun)
A narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
“The Strait of Gibraltar”
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Strait (noun)
A narrow pass or passage.
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Strait (noun)
A neck of land; an isthmus.
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Strait (noun)
A difficult position (often used in plural).
“to be in dire straits”
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Strait (verb)
To confine; put to difficulties.
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Strait (adverb)
Strictly; rigorously.
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Gulf (noun)
A hollow place in the earth; an abyss; a deep chasm or basin.
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Gulf (noun)
That which swallows; the gullet.
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Gulf (noun)
That which swallows irretrievably; a whirlpool; a sucking eddy.
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Gulf (noun)
A portion of an ocean or sea extending into the land; a partially landlocked sea
“the Gulf of Mexico”
“the Persian Gulf”
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Gulf (noun)
A large deposit of ore in a lode.
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Gulf (noun)
A difference, especially a large difference, between groups
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Gulf (noun)
The bottom part of a list of those awarded a degree, for those who have only just passed.
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Gulf (verb)
To award a degree to somebody who has only just passed sufficiently.