gape

[ geyp, gap ]

verb (used without object)

, gaped, gap·ing.

1. to stare with open mouth, as in wonder.
2. to open the mouth wide involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention.

   Synonyms: yawn

3. to open as a gap; split or become open wide.

   Synonyms: yawn

noun

1. a wide opening; gap; breach.
2. an act or instance of gaping.
3. a stare, as in astonishment or with the mouth wide open.
4. a yawn.
5. Zoology. the width of the open mouth.

gape

/ ɡeɪp /

verb

1. to stare in wonder or amazement, esp with the mouth open
2. to open the mouth wide, esp involuntarily, as in yawning or hunger
3. to be or become wide open

   the crater gaped under his feet

noun

1. the act of gaping
2. a wide opening; breach
3. the width of the widely opened mouth of a vertebrate
4. a stare or expression of astonishment

Other Words From

• gaping·ly adverb
• sub·gape verb (used without object) subgaped subgaping
• un·gaping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gape¹

1175–1225; Middle English, from Old Norse gapa “to open the mouth wide”; compare German gaffen

Word History and Origins

Origin of gape¹

C13: from Old Norse gapa; related to Middle Dutch gapen, Danish gabe

Synonym Study

See gaze.

Example Sentences

Scientology remains this subgenre’s biggest recurring star, even as we seasonally gape at and praise the high-power talent that legitimizes it.

From Salon

The boy and the other haints gape at JP.

From Literature

One would expect a more forceful reaction, but Margaret does little more than gape and then move on.

From Seattle Times

Suddenly we’re all on the same team as we huddle together and gape at the truck.

From Literature

Of course, it’s all flesh, some of it so enlarged that pores gape and pancake makeup glistens like wet cement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• glare
• gloat
• stare