gurgle

[ gur-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gur·gled, gur·gling.

1. to flow in a broken, irregular, noisy current:

   The water gurgled from the bottle.

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

2. to make a sound as of water doing this (often used of birds or of human beings).

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

verb (used with object)

, gur·gled, gur·gling.

1. to utter or express with a gurgling sound:

   The baby gurgled her delight.

noun

1. the act or noise of gurgling.

gurgle

/ ˈɡɜːɡəl /

verb

1. (of liquids, esp of rivers, streams, etc) to make low bubbling noises when flowing
2. to utter low throaty bubbling noises, esp as a sign of contentment

   the baby gurgled with delight

noun

1. the act or sound of gurgling

Derived Forms

• ˈgurgling, adjective

Other Words From

• gur·gling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

First recorded in 1555–65; compare Dutch, Middle Low German gorgelen, German gurgeln “to gargle”; akin to Latin gurguliō “throat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

C16: perhaps from Vulgar Latin gurgulāre, from Latin gurguliō gullet

Example Sentences

A preserved-moss wall absorbs ambient sound but for a gurgling fountain and soothing music.

From Los Angeles Times

No cries or gurgles, the unnerving silence in the room is only broken by the high-pitched beeps of a pulse rate monitor.

From BBC

The inability to belch can cause bloating, pain, gurgling in the neck and chest, and excessive flatulence as built-up air seeks an alternate exit route.

From Salon

A preserved moss wall absorbs ambient sound, but for a gurgling fountain and soothing music.

From Los Angeles Times

All I wanted was a simple recirculating fountain near my bedroom window, so I could fall asleep to the soothing sounds of gurgling water.

From Los Angeles Times