gulped; gulping; gulps

transitive verb

1
: to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
2
: to keep back as if by swallowing
gulp down a sob
3
: to take in readily as if by swallowing
gulp down knowledge

intransitive verb

: to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink
gulp noun
gulper noun

Examples of gulp in a Sentence

She told him not to gulp his food. The exhausted racers lay on the ground, gulping air. The exhausted racers were gulping for air. I gulped nervously before beginning my speech. “That's a lot of money,” she gulped. He gulped back tears as he thanked the rescuers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That would have been like the Celtics willingly trading, gulp, Paul Pierce to the Heat at one point. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 Vincent started gulping down studies and going to conferences, desperate to find a way to save his daughter. Robin Fields, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025 The terrifying moment, captured on camera by the kayaker’s father, showed the whale surfacing in the Strait of Magellan and gulping Adrian Simancas for a few moments before releasing him. Abel Alvarado, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025 The detective accepted the dare and gulped down the milk meant for the sergeant’s child, according to court papers. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gulp

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from a Middle Dutch or Middle Low German word akin to Dutch & Frisian gulpen to bubble forth, drink deep; akin to Old English gielpan to boast — more at yelp

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gulp was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gulp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gulp. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gulp

verb
1
: to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
2
: to keep back as if by swallowing
gulp down a sob
3
: to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink
gulp noun
gulper noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gulp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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