gurgle

verb

gur·​gle ˈgər-gəl 

gurgled; gurgling ˈgər-g(ə-)liŋ 

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

Synonyms

• splash
• wash
• bubble
• ripple
• trickle
• drip

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 can lead to slow or gurgling pipes, or even minor flooding if the system gets too overwhelmed. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025

The health department listed: Pale, sweaty or clammy skin Lips and/or fingertips turn blue Slow or irregular breathing, gasping or gurgling Difficulty waking up People with someone suspected of overdosing are always urged to call 911. —Sophia Tiedge, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025

All this takes place to a soundtrack of gurgling, chiming electronics that react dynamically to your movement. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 9 July 2025

Picture a landscape of steaming hot springs and fumaroles, gurgling mud pools and geothermal fields encircled by bright green mountains and lush botanical gardens. —Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably imitative

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gurgle

• tergal

Kids Definition

gurgle

verb

gur·​gle ˈgər-gəl 

gurgled; gurgling ˈgər-g(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to flow in a broken bubbling current

2

: to make a sound like that of a gurgling liquid

gurgle noun