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

"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

But in general, however many pollutants you might find in L.A.’s tap water, there are not enough to make you seriously ill in one gulp.

From Los Angeles Times

She fell silent for a moment on the telephone, taking a gulp of air.

From Salon

Sure, we could tell you the story, but it’s much funnier if you listen to Barkley tell it — just learn from O’Neal’s mistake and don’t take a large gulp of your beverage as Barkley utters the line, “Hey, man, whatever your name is, thank you for my bracelet.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s clearly a major change from the hot dogs, mini donuts, coffee and Big Gulp drinks that U.S. 7-Elevens are best known for.

From Salon

Related Words

• draught
• mouthful