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 This humidifier was a bit louder than other models, but the water gurgles were not disruptive and some may like it as a peaceful background noise. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2024 The baby gurgles from a stroller while the older children remain fixated on their tablets. Seyward Darby, Longreads, 14 Feb. 2024 Liberated from its pipe, the creek gurgled clear through the rubble, and a cutthroat trout flickered over the gravel. Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Across a gurgling brook, up a muddy slope, over mossy tree limbs, through a tangle of brambles and vines, the dogs covered acres of terrain. Bernhard Warner, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2023 Monsoon rains have finally passed and floods blocking the lone dirt road have retreated enough for a small truck to climb these Himalayan foothills to a gurgling spring. Martha Irvine and Dar Yasin, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023 There’s also a vineyard, a dog run, vast patios with an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool and even a gurgling creek running the property’s full length. James McClain, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023 Wade’s gurgling pompadour matches well with his roly-poly physique and go-with-the-flow personality. Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 My feet were throbbing, my jeans were soaking wet from the rain, and my stomach was both gurgling and cramping. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gurgle.' 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

probably imitative

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gurgle was in 1596

Dictionary Entries Near gurgle

Cite this Entry

“Gurgle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gurgle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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