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

The other was another edition of a baking contest that featured a dirty turkey cake and one with a gaping orifice that spits stuffing.

From Los Angeles Times

But an injury to left tackle Rashawn Slater left a gaping hole in pass protection and led to Herbert reinjuring his right ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

The two early chances Clement referenced were firstly from captain Tavernier, saved well by Lyon keeper Lucas Perri, before Cerny somehow cleared the bar with the goal gaping from just yards out.

From BBC

With its shattered windows and cartoonish graffiti, the mansion on Mulholland Drive sits like a gaping wound in the Hollywood Hills.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly after Tuesday's blitz in Kharkiv, Zelensky issued a statement sharing pictures of the destroyed residential tower - which showed a gaping hole in the middle of the building.

From BBC

Related Words

• glare
• gloat
• stare