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