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.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said that even in training camp, the team’s veteran players were gasping at Miles’s plays.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
But the crowd were left gasping in anguish as Gauff, approaching the net, swiped the ball into the tape.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
In the darkness, partially kneeling, gasping for air and practically immobile, he suffered aftershock after aftershock.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
By that point, Illinois was already rolling, well on their way to a 101-65 victory that left USC gasping for air.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026
He would be quite matter-of-fact, especially about the parts where he had shown courage and endurance; he would leave the staring and gasping to his audience.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
