gape
1gape
intransitive verb \ˈgāp sometimes ˈgap\gapedgap·ing
Definition of GAPE
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
Examples of GAPE
- <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
2gape
nounDefinition of GAPE
1
2
: an unfilled space or extent
3
a : the median margin-to-margin length of the open mouth b : the line along which the mandibles of a bird close c : the width of an opening
4
plural but sing in constr a : a disease of birds and especially young birds in which gapeworms invade and irritate the trachea b : a fit of yawning
Examples of GAPE
- <I told him to stop staring, that his rather stupid gape was annoying.>
First Known Use of GAPE
1535
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