gargle

[ gahr-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gar·gled, gar·gling.

1. to wash or rinse the throat or mouth with a liquid held in the throat and kept in motion by a stream of air from the lungs.

verb (used with object)

, gar·gled, gar·gling.

1. to gargle (the throat or mouth).
2. to utter with a gargling sound.

noun

1. any liquid used for gargling.
2. a gargling sound.

gargle

/ ˈɡɑːɡəl /

verb

1. to rinse (the mouth and throat) with a liquid, esp a medicinal fluid by slowly breathing out through the liquid
2. to utter (words, sounds, etc) with the throaty bubbling noise of gargling

noun

1. the liquid used for gargling
2. the sound produced by gargling
3. informal.
   an alcoholic drink

   what was her favourite gargle?

Derived Forms

• ˈgargler, noun

Other Words From

• gargler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargle¹

1520–30; < Middle French gargouiller to gargle, rattle the throat, derivative of gargouille throat; perhaps imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargle¹

C16: from Old French gargouiller to gargle, make a gurgling sound, from gargouille throat, perhaps of imitative origin

Example Sentences

In Kavala Graha, you use a smaller amount of oil, swish between the teeth, and gargle at the back of the throat.

From The Daily Beast

Thousands of people are posting videos on YouTube while they gargle and swirl oil in their mouths.

From The Daily Beast

Telling him he would send in a gargle and a cooling draught, and that he was to go to bed soon, Duffham rose to leave.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, under the similitude of a game, I have seen children confronted with the horrors of arithmetic, and even taught to gargle.

From Project Gutenberg

And at the first definite sign that either is developing, increase the frequency of the gargle.

From Project Gutenberg

Being non-poisonous, good for a gargle as well as for external use, it is superior to many other antiseptic washes.

From Project Gutenberg

We always have to gargle with salt water, at home, when we have sore throats.

From Project Gutenberg