goggle

7 synonyms for goggle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To stare at something with wide, bulging eyes, usually in astonishment.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

stare

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

gape gawp gawk boggle eye protection safety glasses

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To stare at something with wide, bulging eyes, usually in astonishment.

“The children goggled at the size of the cake.”

gape gawp stare gawk boggle

2. noun

Close-fitting protective eyewear with a seal around the eyes, worn for swimming, skiing, welding or lab work. Almost always used in the plural, goggles.

“You can't enter the workshop without safety goggles.”

eye protection safety glasses

How to use goggle

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

goggle at swimming goggles safety goggles ski goggles beer goggles

The verb is slightly old-fashioned and comic; the plural noun is entirely ordinary.

Etymology

From 14th century Middle English gogelen (“to roll (eyes), to look sideways”). Earlier source is unknown. The noun is attested from the 17th century. Compare Irish gog (“a nod, a slight motion”).

Full origin of goggle →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between goggles and glasses?

Glasses rest on the nose and ears with open sides. Goggles are strapped on and sit flush against the face, sealing the eyes off from water, dust, chemicals or wind. Goggles are worn for protection, glasses usually for vision correction.

Is goggle related to Google?

Not as a matter of established fact. Goggle is a much older English verb meaning to stare, and Google is a company name; any account linking the two should be treated as speculation.

People also searched

stare gape gawk boggle gawp

Nearby words

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