gulp

[ guhlp ]

verb (used without object)

1. to gasp or choke, as when taking large drafts of a liquid.

verb (used with object)

1. to swallow eagerly, or in large drafts or morsels (often followed by down ):

   He gulps down his food like a starving man.

   Synonyms: guzzle, devour, bolt, quaff, gobble, wolf

2. to suppress, subdue, or choke back as if by swallowing:

   to gulp down a sob.

noun

1. the act of gulping:

   He drank the whole bottle of beer in one gulp.

2. the amount swallowed at one time; mouthful.

gulp

/ ɡʌlp /

verb

1. troften foll bydown to swallow rapidly, esp in large mouthfuls

   to gulp down food

2. troften foll byback to stifle or choke

   to gulp back sobs

3. intr to swallow air convulsively, as while drinking, because of nervousness, surprise, etc
4. intr to make a noise, as when swallowing too quickly

noun

1. the act of gulping
2. the quantity taken in a gulp

Derived Forms

• ˈgulpingly, adverb
• ˈgulpy, adjective
• ˈgulper, noun

Other Words From

• gulper noun
• gulping·ly adverb
• gulpy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gulp¹

1400–50; late Middle English gulpen (v.); compare Dutch gulpen, Norwegian glupa

Word History and Origins

Origin of gulp¹

C15: from Middle Dutch gulpen, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Or, like many enterprising DIYers, you could go to L.A.’s downtown Flower District, save some money and — gulp — do your flowers yourself.

From Los Angeles Times

Unable to fold herself into a massive decorative vase and roll herself into her pool, she settled on gulping down 100 benzos.

From Salon

They took gulps of water simultaneously, as the moderators began.

From Los Angeles Times

"I did see him surface and I think he took a gulp, and then I thought I saw him being thrown in the air," she said.

From BBC

When concert halls around the country shuttered their doors and gulped with anxiety about the pandemic future — this was March 2020, not that anyone has forgotten — Martha Gilmer saw an opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• draught
• mouthful