gulp
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
the act of gulping.
He drank the whole bottle of beer in one gulp.
-
the amount swallowed at one time; mouthful.
verb
-
to swallow rapidly, esp in large mouthfuls
to gulp down food
-
to stifle or choke
to gulp back sobs
-
(intr) to swallow air convulsively, as while drinking, because of nervousness, surprise, etc
-
(intr) to make a noise, as when swallowing too quickly
noun
-
the act of gulping
-
the quantity taken in a gulp
Other Word Forms
- gulper noun
- gulpingly adverb
- gulpy adjective
Etymology
Origin of gulp
1400–50; late Middle English gulpen (v.); compare Dutch gulpen, Norwegian glupa
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I swallowed one in two gulps and eyed the other.
From Literature
It didn’t take him long to gulp them down, lick the fork one last time, and then transfer the fork to his other hand so he could grab the doorknob.
From Literature
Nim’s hair whipped like long, wet ropes, and she gulped salt water with every breath, but she clung as tight as she ever could.
From Literature
I smile back and gulp the lukewarm water eagerly.
From Literature
She lifted her head and gulped at the air.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
