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

We want to relate to their humanity rather than gape at their untouchable infallibility.

From The Daily Beast

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are represented by a gape-mouthed dancing blob named Big Red.

From The Daily Beast

Gape at the chart that shows the chilling growth in derivatives, just one flavor of “structured product.”

From The Daily Beast

All the way we see people of so many kinds we have never seen before that it is difficult not to stand still and gape.

From Project Gutenberg

We gape, we grasp, we gripe, add store to 10 store; / Enough requires too much; too much craves more.

From Project Gutenberg

Once more the wedge was driven to the heart, until again the sides were spread a-gape.

From Project Gutenberg

Moulder, Gape, and Snengkeld together could not make him pay for wine he had neither ordered nor swallowed.

From Project Gutenberg

"In commercial rooms, as the gentleman must be aware, the rule is as stated by my friend on my right," said Mr. Gape.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glare
• gloat
• stare