Main Entry:

¹gape

Pronunciation:

\ˈgāp sometimes ˈgap\

Function:

intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

gaped; gap·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old Norse gapa; perhaps akin to Latin hiare to gape, yawn — more at yawn

Date:

13th century

1 a: to open the mouth wide b: to open or part widely <holes gaped in the pavement>2: to gaze stupidly or in openmouthed surprise or wonder3: yawn

— gap·ing·ly \ˈgā-piŋ-lē, ˈga-piŋ-\ adverb