Main Entry: gulp

Pronunciation: \ˈgəlp\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from a Middle Dutch or Middle Low German word akin to Dutch & Frisian gulpen to bubble forth, drink deep; akin to Old English gielpan to boast — more at yelp

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow
2 : to keep back as if by swallowing <gulp down a sob>
3 : to take in readily as if by swallowing <gulp down knowledge>intransitive verb : to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink

— gulp noun

— gulp·er noun