gargle

¹gar·gle

verb \ˈgär-gəl\

gar·gledgar·gling\-g(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of GARGLE

transitive verb

1

a : to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and agitate with air from the lungs b : to cleanse or disinfect (the oral cavity) in this manner

2

: to utter with a gargling sound

intransitive verb

1

: to use a gargle

2

: to speak or sing as if gargling

Examples of GARGLE

1. He gargled with salt water.
2. He gargled the salt water, then spit it out.

Origin of GARGLE

Middle French gargouiller, of imitative origin

First Known Use: 1527