gargle

1 of 2

verb

gar·​gle ˈgär-gəl 

gargled; gargling ˈgär-g(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and agitate with air from the lungs

b

: to cleanse or disinfect (the oral cavity) in this manner

2

: to utter with a gargling sound

intransitive verb

1

: to use a gargle

2

: to speak or sing as if gargling

gargle

2 of 2

noun

1

: a liquid used in gargling

2

: a sound of or like that of gargling

Examples of gargle in a Sentence

Verb

He gargled with salt water.

He gargled the salt water, then spit it out.

Noun

a medicinal gargle used for sore throats

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

So sufferers could try gargling with warm salt water three to four times a day and sipping on tea with honey. —Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025

Simple at-home strategies like using a humidifier, gargling saltwater, and saline nasal rinses can relieve sore throats, congestion, and nasal dryness. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

Noun

Here's what to know about using a saltwater gargle to help treat sore throat symptoms. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Saltwater gargles are used to improve oral health and treat various oral health conditions. —Edmund Khoo, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle French gargouiller, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1527, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gargle

1 of 2 verb

gar·​gle ˈgär-gəl 

gargled; gargling -g(ə-)liŋ 

: to cleanse the mouth or throat with a liquid kept in motion by air forced through it from the lungs

gargle

2 of 2 noun

1

: a liquid used in gargling

2

: a gargling sound

Medical Definition

gargle

1 of 2 verb

gar·​gle ˈgär-gəl 

gargled; gargling -g(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and agitate with air from the lungs

2

: to cleanse or disinfect (the oral cavity) by gargling

intransitive verb

: to use a gargle

gargle

2 of 2 noun

: a liquid used in gargling