gasp
noun
a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
gasping
-
present participleof gasp.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
No livestream could have delivered that shiver, or the silence of hundreds of strangers falling still, then gasping, in the same instant.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
Other symptoms include waking up a lot, loud snoring and gasping, snorting or choking.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
In the darkness, partially kneeling, gasping for air and practically immobile, he suffered aftershock after aftershock.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
Female jurors watched with rapt attention, some gasping in shock.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026
Gasping, gasping for breath, praying someone would walk into the room and help me.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
