gape

[geyp, gap]

verb (used without object)

gaped, gaping 

1. to stare with open mouth, as in wonder.

2. to open the mouth wide involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention.

   Synonyms: yawn

3. to open as a gap; split or become open wide.

   Synonyms: yawn

noun

1. a wide opening; gap; breach.

2. an act or instance of gaping.

3. a stare, as in astonishment or with the mouth wide open.

4. a yawn.

5. Zoology.,  the width of the open mouth.

gape

/ ɡeɪp /

verb

1. to stare in wonder or amazement, esp with the mouth open

2. to open the mouth wide, esp involuntarily, as in yawning or hunger

3. to be or become wide open

   the crater gaped under his feet

noun

1. the act of gaping

2. a wide opening; breach

3. the width of the widely opened mouth of a vertebrate

4. a stare or expression of astonishment

Other Word Forms

• gapingly adverb
• subgape verb (used without object)
• ungaping adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gape¹

1175–1225; Middle English, from Old Norse gapa “to open the mouth wide”; compare German gaffen

Word History and Origins

Origin of gape¹

C13: from Old Norse gapa; related to Middle Dutch gapen, Danish gabe

Synonym Study

See gaze.

Example Sentences

Adam Wharton hit the bar for Palace with the goal gaping as Penders was again caught badly out of position when Strasbourg lost the ball on the edge of their own box.

Read more on Barron's

"That is a gaping hole in a law that should protect nature from the ravages of climate change," she said.

Read more on Barron's

Still, it left a gaping hole in the venue, with footage on social media showing delegates escaping the flames, some ripping off shirts to cover their mouths and noses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Behind the gaping curtain lay the bookstore’s actual window, with the Giddy-Yap, Rainbow! books on cheerful display.

Read more on Literature

Fix these, fix the gaping security holes and stop them “hallucinating,” or making up their own facts, and many more businesses and individuals will be willing to pay.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• glare 
• gloat 
• stare