burp

American  

[burp] / bɜrp /

noun

1. an ejection of stomach gas through the mouth; belch.

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verb (used without object)

1. to eject stomach gas through the mouth; belch.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (a baby) to belch by patting their back, especially to relieve gas after feeding.

burp British  

/ bɜːp /

noun

1. informal a belch

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verb

1. informal (intr) to belch

2. (tr) to cause (a baby) to burp to relieve flatulence after feeding

Usage

What does burp mean? A burp is the often noisy instance of stomach gas being released through the mouth. It often happens after you eat or especially after you drink a bubbly drink like soda.Burp can also be used as a verb meaning to release gas in such a way, as in I burped right in the middle of the meeting—it was so embarrassing. Burping is common and normal, but it’s often considered rude to burp in public, especially to do so loudly. It’s typically considered the polite thing to do to try to cover up a burp.A synonym for both the noun and verb sense of burp is belch, which is a bit more formal. The technical medical term for burping or a burp is eructation. The verb form of this is eruct.As a verb, burp can also mean to help a baby to burp, as in I always enjoyed burping my babies after they drank their bottle—it’s so satisfying to get a big burp out! Babies are burped to prevent the buildup of gas. Usually, burping is done by gently patting the baby’s back.Burp is also sometimes used in a figurative way in the context of a thing releasing gas or air or something else, especially in a messy way. A volcano can be said to burp out fumes. You can burp a food storage container—let the excess air out of it—by quickly opening and closing the lid.Example: My grandfather loved to conclude his dinner by unleashing a loud burp to signal his satisfaction.

Other Word Forms

• burpless adjective

Etymology

Origin of burp

An Americanism first recorded in 1930–35; imitative

Example Sentences

Cattle burps are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

From Seattle Times

One London start-up is using it to make a plastic substitute, while in Australia and Hawaii, others are experimenting with seaweed that, when fed to livestock, can cut methane from cow burps.

From New York Times

“It looks like the way that my bedroom looks after I get home from a trip: suitcases burping up clothes everywhere. And the only way I organize my own thoughts is by writing them.”

From Los Angeles Times

Not surprisingly, after chugging that much soda, Booker apparently let out a massive burp.

From Fox News

You may have stomach pains and feel the need to pass gas or burp to relieve pressure.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• belch