gurgle

[ gur-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gur·gled, gur·gling.

1. to flow in a broken, irregular, noisy current:

   The water gurgled from the bottle.

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

2. to make a sound as of water doing this (often used of birds or of human beings).

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

verb (used with object)

, gur·gled, gur·gling.

1. to utter or express with a gurgling sound:

   The baby gurgled her delight.

noun

1. the act or noise of gurgling.

gurgle

/ ˈɡɜːɡəl /

verb

1. (of liquids, esp of rivers, streams, etc) to make low bubbling noises when flowing
2. to utter low throaty bubbling noises, esp as a sign of contentment

   the baby gurgled with delight

noun

1. the act or sound of gurgling

Derived Forms

• ˈgurgling, adjective

Other Words From

• gur·gling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

First recorded in 1555–65; compare Dutch, Middle Low German gorgelen, German gurgeln “to gargle”; akin to Latin gurguliō “throat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

C16: perhaps from Vulgar Latin gurgulāre, from Latin gurguliō gullet

Example Sentences

She kept her mask up to greet him over the hiss of the grill and the gurgle of fryer oil.

From Eater

Laughing at intervals that low gurgle which sprang from fear, as some wild bird would start up at his approach, he plodded on.

From Project Gutenberg

The next instant he sank back with a gurgle in his throat and a knife thrust in his side.

From Project Gutenberg

Elsie jumped up with a little gurgle of joy and ran ahead of her mother to the 25 flower.

From Project Gutenberg

Then there was a loud scream that died in a weltering gurgle.

From Project Gutenberg

His eyes closed tight, and there was a funny gurgle in his throat.

From Project Gutenberg