ogle
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to look at amorously, flirtatiously, or impertinently.
-
to eye; look or stare at.
verb (used without object)
-
to look amorously, flirtatiously, or impertinently.
-
to look or stare.
noun
verb
-
to look at (someone) amorously or lustfully
-
(tr) to stare or gape at
noun
Other Word Forms
- ogler noun
- unogled adjective
Etymology
Origin of ogle
1670–80; apparently < Dutch, frequentative ( -le ) of oogen to make eyes at, derivative of oog eye (compare Low German oegeln, German äugeln )
Explanation
When you ogle someone, you look at them with love or desire in mind. And if you're a cartoon character, you might also be drooling. Though it's most often used to refer to the way people gaze at each other, the verb ogle can also be used when talking about any object of desire — like when you ogle those designer jeans or that red Ferrari. The word comes from the 1680s German word oeglen, meaning "look at." Men are known to ogle women much more frequently than women ogle men. Ever seen a scene in a movie where a pretty lady walks into a bar and all the men turn on their bar stools to watch her pass by? That's classic ogling.
Vocabulary lists containing ogle
100 Words to Make You Sound Smart
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Dear Martin
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nearly half a million people were expected to pass through the sprawling Javits Convention Center, from industry bigwigs to families just coming to ogle hundreds of new vehicles on display.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
As this portion did not allow cars, we had plenty of space to ogle a privately owned island below and a dramatic cliff across the river known as Coyote Wall.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2023
It provides a place to rest, admire a perplexing painting, ogle the crowd or check DMs.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2023
We’ve also included a number of first- and third-party controllers, a classic anime collection, and a board game that’s both easy to ogle and a joy to play.
From The Verge • Nov. 15, 2021
Ralph could only ogle, though, helpless with envy, as Grover balled up his napkin.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
