gag

1 of 2

verb

gagged; gagging

transitive verb

1
a
: to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting something into it to prevent speech or outcry
b
: to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression
trying to gag the press
legally gagged from discussing the case
c
: to pry or hold open with a gag
2
: to provide or write quips or pranks for
gag a show
3
: to choke or cause to retch

intransitive verb

1
a
: choke
also : to suffer a throat spasm that makes swallowing or breathing difficult
b
: retch
2
: to be unable to endure something : balk
The boys gagged at all the kissing and goo-goo eyes.
3
: to make quips
gagger noun

gag

2 of 2

noun

1
: something thrust into the mouth to keep it open or to prevent speech or outcry
2
: an official check or restraint on debate or free speech
a gag rule
3
: a laugh-provoking remark or act
4

Examples of gag in a Sentence

Verb The government is trying to gag the press. the terrible smell of rotting fish made me gag Noun The movie relies on simpleminded gags for laughs. They hid his clothes as a gag. They tied up the hostages and put gags in their mouths. The government is trying to put a gag on the press.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The most terrifying part, however, will truly leave you gagging. Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 They had been bound, gagged, and shot in the head. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
My focus was always trying to bring the kind of complexities of the kink world to the screen…trying to find the warmth in that community rather than be like Prince Albert, whips, chains, and gags. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025 Gifts Under $10 for Men Men are notoriously hard to shop for, but there are tons of useful gadgets and other thoughtful gifts that aren’t gag gifts, all under $10. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gag

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English gaggen "to strangle," of imitative origin

Noun

derivative of gag entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1509, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gag was in 1509

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gag. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

gag

1 of 2 verb
gagged; gagging
1
: to prevent from speaking or crying out by or as if by stopping up the mouth
2
a
: to vomit or cause to feel like vomiting
3
: to be unable to endure something : balk
4
: to tell jokes

gag

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: something thrust into the mouth especially to prevent speech or outcry
b
: a restraint on free speech
2
: something said or done to cause laughter
3
: prank

More from Merriam-Webster on gag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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