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

We sat on the edge of Willem’s bed gulping down the precious bun; I suspected that to buy it Willem had had to go without lunch.

From Literature

Its forepaws were shaking, and it was gulping and baring its teeth.

From Literature

I finally make it through the gate, bursting through to the other side and gulping air.

From Literature

I take a bite of bagel and wash it down with a gulp of the Gatorade she knew I’d want even though I didn’t ask for it.

From Literature

I breathed in slowly, swallowing the water in small gulps.

From Literature

Related Words

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