gulp

1 of 2

verb

ˈgəlp 

gulped; gulping; gulps

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

gulper noun

gulper

2 of 2

noun

gulp·​er

-pə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that gulps

2

or less commonly gulper eel : any of several usually small deep-sea fishes that resemble degenerate eels with greatly enlarged mouths, have a leptocephalus stage, and constitute the family Saccopharyngidae now usually placed in the order Lyomeri

Synonyms of gulp

Verb

• sip
• drink

Examples of gulp in a Sentence

Verb

She told him not to gulp his food.

The exhausted racers lay on the ground, gulping air.

The exhausted racers were gulping for air.

I gulped nervously before beginning my speech.

“That's a lot of money,” she gulped.

He gulped back tears as he thanked the rescuers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Rather than trying to gulp the slimy thing down, Wilkinson went into the kitchen and prepared an extravagant breakfast for himself, complete with Dr Pepper to wash it down. —Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Others can’t stand the sound of gulping. —Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Many years had passed since Caity Maple, a Sacramento councilmember, gulped down orange juice. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for gulp

• pulp

Kids Definition

gulp

verb

ˈgəlp 

1

: to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one swallow

2

: to keep back as if by swallowing

gulp down a sob

3

: to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink

gulp noun

gulper noun