gulp

gulp

verb \ˈgəlp\

Definition of GULP

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

Examples of GULP

1. She told him not to gulp his food.
2. The exhausted racers lay on the ground, gulping air.
3. The exhausted racers were gulping for air.
4. I gulped nervously before beginning my speech.
5. “That's a lot of money,” she gulped.
6. He gulped back tears as he thanked the rescuers.

Origin of GULP

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: 14th century

Related to GULP

Synonyms: belt (down), drink, guzzle, hoist, imbibe, knock back, pound (down), quaff, sip, slug (down), slurp, sup, swig, swill, toss (down or off)

Related Words: lap, lick, suck; consume, down, ingurgitate, kill, mouth (down), put away; nip, tipple; pledge, toast, wine

Near Antonyms: nibble, peck, pick

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Rhymes with GULP

pulp