gulp

American  

[guhlp] / gʌlp /

verb (used without object)

1. to gasp or choke, as when taking large drafts of a liquid.

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verb (used with object)

1. to swallow eagerly, or in large drafts or morsels (often followed bydown ).

   He gulps down his food like a starving man.

   Synonyms:

   guzzle, devour, bolt, quaff, gobble, wolf

2. to suppress, subdue, or choke back as if by swallowing.

   to gulp down a sob.

noun

1. the act of gulping.

   He drank the whole bottle of beer in one gulp.

2. the amount swallowed at one time; mouthful.

gulp British  

/ ɡʌlp /

verb

1. to swallow rapidly, esp in large mouthfuls

   to gulp down food

2. to stifle or choke

   to gulp back sobs

3. (intr) to swallow air convulsively, as while drinking, because of nervousness, surprise, etc

4. (intr) to make a noise, as when swallowing too quickly

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noun

1. the act of gulping

2. the quantity taken in a gulp

Other Word Forms

• gulper noun
• gulpingly adverb
• gulpy adjective

Etymology

Origin of gulp

1400–50; late Middle English gulpen (v.); compare Dutch gulpen, Norwegian glupa

Example Sentences

It didn’t take him long to gulp them down, lick the fork one last time, and then transfer the fork to his other hand so he could grab the doorknob.

From Literature

Nim’s hair whipped like long, wet ropes, and she gulped salt water with every breath, but she clung as tight as she ever could.

From Literature

I smile back and gulp the lukewarm water eagerly.

From Literature

She lifted her head and gulped at the air.

From Literature

He gulped a nervous knot in his throat, then lifted his feet, and the shadow followed.

From Literature

Related Words

• consume
• gobble
• guzzle
• imbibe
• inhale
• quaff
• swallow
• swig
• swill