gaping

adjective

gap·​ing ˈgā-piŋ How to pronounce gaping (audio)
: wide open
a gaping hole

Examples of gaping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And that is just a gaping fundamental hole with the entire structure. David Pogue, CBS News, 30 June 2024 While fentanyl can easily cause a deadly overdose, the addition of xylazine further slows breathing and can result in painful, gaping and disfiguring wounds on the user's body. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 11 July 2023 There is a gaping sense of hunger, particularly in a story of a love between two women, one with a crescent moon tattoo on her chest. Nina McLaughlin, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2023 Newsom won with 80 percent of the vote in Alameda County in 2018; two years later President Biden and Vice President Harris won the county by an equally gaping margin. Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for gaping 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gaping.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of gape entry 1

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gaping was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near gaping

Cite this Entry

“Gaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaping. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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