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.
In the darkness, partially kneeling, gasping for air and practically immobile, he suffered aftershock after aftershock.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
"I measured quite low, even though my OCD means when I am triggered, I'm cleaning for two to three hours with pure bleach and I'm gasping for air," he said.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
Female jurors watched with rapt attention, some gasping in shock.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026
And while health care has deteriorated badly in recent years because of shortages of medicines and equipment, it remains free — a system gasping but not abandoned.
From Salon ● Feb. 15, 2026
Mama turned her face up to the ceiling and breathed deep, like she was gasping for air.
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
