verb
gape
GAYP
verb
1
To stare with your mouth open wide, usually in shock or amazement.
"Tourists gaped at the size of the waterfall."
"He gaped in disbelief when he saw the bill."
noun
1
The act of staring open-mouthed, or a wide opening.
"She let out a gape of surprise."
How to Use Gape
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stare with your mouth hanging open, usually because you're shocked or amazed by something.
Common pairings
gape in astonishment
gape at something
mouth agape
Word Forms
gaped past tense, gapes plural, gapes singular
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Tourists _____ at the size of the waterfall.
Etymology
From Old Norse gapa, "to open the mouth wide" — the same root that gives us "gap."