Definition of "stopgap"

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

(figuratively)

1. Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.  examples

2. 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.  quotations

   Quotations

   • 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.

     1897, Thomas Anstey Guthrie, “Chapter 4”, in Baboo Hurry Bungsho Jabberjee, B.A.

   • 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.

     2019 October 23, Pip Dunn, “The Next King of Scotland”, in Rail, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Bauer Media, page 50

   1. (specifically) A person appointed or hired to fill a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire can be made; a temp.  quotations  examples

      Quotations

      • As witness the following. Mr Strudwick, the regular master of the form, happened on one occasion to be away for a couple of days, and a stop-gap was put in in his place. The name of the stop-gap was Mr Somerville Smith. He and Farnie exchanged an unspoken declaration of war almost immediately.

        1903, P. G. Wodehouse, “Chapter 4”, in A Prefect's Uncle

Short-term; temporary.  examples

Filling a gap or pause.  examples

(transitive) To stop up or fill (a physical gap or hole, or a hiatus).  examples

(intransitive) To use something as a short-term fix or temporary measure until a better alternative can be obtained.

1. (specifically) To work at a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire is made.  examples