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

While MacLeod’s body was ravaged — he had an enormous gash in his right shoulder where the lightning entered and a gaping hole in his back where it exited — Nordbrock barely had a scratch.

From Los Angeles Times

After a brief pause, the SUV pulled away and the mob stormed in through the gaping maw that was once the front door.

From Los Angeles Times

The roof and part of the walls in the damaged area have been blown apart and there's a gaping hole in the floor.

From BBC

The corners of its mouth, called the gape, stopped around the middle of its eyes and turned up, which someone described as a “Mona Lisa smile,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

But let there be no mistake: pulling the trigger on U.S. military force inside Mexico would be about as effective as putting a Band-Aid over a gaping wound.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glare 
• gloat 
• stare