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gape


1gape

verb \ˈgāp sometimes ˈgap\
gapedgap·ing

Definition of GAPE

intransitive verb
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 wonder
3
: yawn
gap·ing·ly \ˈgā-piŋ-lē, ˈga-piŋ-\ adverb

Examples of GAPE

  1. <she suddenly realized she had been gaping at the good-looking waiter instead of giving him her order>

Origin of GAPE

Middle English, from Old Norse gapa; perhaps akin to Latin hiare to gape, yawn — more at yawn
First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with GAPE

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