gushing

American  

[guhsh-ing] / ˈgʌʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. flowing out suddenly, forcefully, or in large volume, as fluid that has been confined.

   Since the rig exploded, all attempts to stop the gushing oil have been futile.

2. having a sudden, forceful, copious flow.

   She clasped her hands over the gushing wound to stop the blood.

3. expressed or expressing oneself extravagantly or effusively, especially in an affectionate or highly complimentary way.

   Followed by paparazzi and gushing admirers, he returned home to face a more realistic assessment from his parents.

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noun

1. the act of flowing out suddenly, copiously, or forcefully.

   Nosebleeds in children often look scary, but these quick tips can stop the gushing.

2. the act of expressing oneself extravagantly or effusively.

   After all her gushing about how great the movie and its director and cast were, I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Other Word Forms

• gushingly
  adverb
• ungushing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gushing

First recorded in 1350–1400; gush ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; gush ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Gushing over the toddler, Grande invited him to the stage to “be my Elphie for this next song.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025

Gushing about his wife’s “thick blond hair,” “white, flowery skirt” and “magnetic” charisma, Bill Clinton sought to humanize and sell his wife as a person first and a policymaker second.

From Salon • Jul. 27, 2016

Gushing tributes also have to be balanced against a mean streak that has yielded bans for Andrew Hore and Adam Thomson.

From The Guardian • Nov. 30, 2012

Gushing about the prize, Kennedy said it was "up there in one of the all-time life achievements - wow, wow, wow".

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2012

Gushing water strikes the wall beneath me and sprays upward.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• spouting