gasp
noun
a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
are gasping
-
present progressiveof gasp.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Meanwhile, many local broadcasters are gasping to stay solvent.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 6, 2026
“We’re not seeing our I.C.U. get filled up with patients who are gasping for breath or who are on death’s door.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 20, 2022
Often when we arrive the patients look terrified and are breathing so fast, they are gasping and simply unable to speak.
From BBC ● Jan. 11, 2021
Small and medium-size companies are gasping for breath as well.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2020
When the pond is dry and the fishes are gasping for breath it is of no use to moisten them with a little water or a little sprinkling.
From America, through the spectacles of an Oriental diplomat by Tingfang Wu
