gaper

[ gey-per ]

noun

1. a person or thing that gapes. gape.
2. Also called horse clam. a large clam, Tresus capax, common on gravelly and coarse-sand beaches.

ˈgaper

/ ˈɡeɪpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that gapes
2. any of various large marine bivalve molluscs of the genera Mya and Lutraria that burrow in muddy sand. M. arenaria is the American soft-shelled clam and the two species of Lutraria are the otter shells. The valves have a permanent gap at the hind end

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaper¹

First recorded in 1630–40; gape + -er ¹

Example Sentences

This means the venting in the goggles and helmet brim line up for better air exhaust and less fog, and you’re guaranteed not to wind up with an unfortunate gaper gap.

From Outside Online

This clumsy sign is called de Gaaper,—the Gaper,—and I know not the origin of it.

From Project Gutenberg

That blue-billed gaper probably came from Malacca, and the trogon too.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bystander
• fan
• moviegoer
• observer
• onlooker
• sports fan
• theatergoer
• viewer