gurgle

verb

gur·​gle ˈgər-gəl How to pronounce gurgle (audio)
gurgled; gurgling ˈgər-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce gurgle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to flow in a broken irregular current
the brook gurgling over the rocks
2
: to make a sound like that of a gurgling liquid
the baby gurgling in his crib
gurgle noun

Examples of gurgle in a Sentence

The water gurgled through the pipes. I was so hungry that you could hear my stomach gurgling.
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.
Some of that water gurgles up naturally as hot springs. Ian Max Stevenson updated July 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2025 Water gurgled softly through a beaver dam on Bear Creek near Morrison as Katie Gill reflected on a six-year campaign to save her happy place in Bear Creek Lake Park from destruction. John Meyer, Denver Post, 28 Apr. 2025 On Friday, at the site of one mine near Longnan, a diesel generator was humming and liquids were gurgling through plastic pipes, indicating that at least some mining operations had probably resumed. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Florida spring heads are constantly gurgling a consistent current of water at a steady 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gurgle

Word History

Etymology

probably imitative

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gurgle was in 1596

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gurgle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gurgle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

gurgle

verb
gur·​gle ˈgər-gəl How to pronounce gurgle (audio)
gurgled; gurgling ˈgər-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce gurgle (audio)
1
: to flow in a broken bubbling current
2
: to make a sound like that of a gurgling liquid
gurgle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gurgle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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