noun
Uncommon
gag
GAG
Gag (noun) means something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out. Example: “The kidnappers tied a gag around his mouth.”
noun
1
Something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out.
"The kidnappers tied a gag around his mouth."
2
A joke, prank, or funny bit written for comic effect.
"The film's best gag comes right at the end."
"It was just a gag — don't take it seriously."
3
A rule or order that prevents public discussion of something.
"The court issued a gag order banning the press from reporting details."
verb
1
To retch or feel the urge to vomit.
"The smell was so bad it made her gag."
2
To prevent someone from speaking, literally or figuratively.
"The regime tried to gag journalists critical of the government."
How to use gag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) stopping speech — literally a mouth-covering, or figuratively a legal or political silencing — or, separately, a comedy joke.
Common mistake
"Gag" (joke) and "gag" (silence someone) are unrelated meanings of the same spelling — context makes clear which is meant.
Common pairings
gag order
running gag
gag reflex
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Word forms
- Plural
- gags
- Third person singular
- gags
- Past tense
- gagged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kidnappers tied a _____ around his mouth.
Etymology
The noun appears in Early Modern English; the verb in Middle English. Possibly imitative in origin. The "joke" sense developed later, from the 1860s.
Class of 1860
gag joined the language around 1860.
See the full Class of 1860 →
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “gag” mean?
The word “gag” means something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out. In plain terms, something (or someone) stopping speech — literally a mouth-covering, or figuratively a legal or political silencing — or, separately, a comedy joke.
How do you pronounce “gag”?
“Gag” is pronounced GAG (/ˈɡæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gag” in a sentence?
Here is “gag” used in a sentence: “The kidnappers tied a gag around his mouth.”
What is another word for “gag”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gag” include gag order.
What part of speech is “gag”?
Depending on how it is used, “gag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gag” come from?
The word “gag” dates back to around 1860 and comes from Middle English. The noun appears in Early Modern English; the verb in Middle English. Possibly imitative in origin. The "joke" sense developed later, from the 1860s.
Is “gag” a common word?
“Gag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gag” have?
“Gag” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something placed in or over the mouth to prevent someone from speaking or crying out.
What is the difference between a gag and a joke?
A gag is usually a short, self-contained bit of comedy written or performed for a specific comic effect, often in a script, film, or stand-up routine, while a joke is a broader term for any humorous remark or story. Gags often rely on visual or physical comedy as much as words.
What does it mean when the media refers to a gag order?
A gag order is a legal or official rule that prevents public discussion of a case or issue, typically imposed by a court to protect a trial or ongoing investigation. It restricts what participants, journalists, or the public may say about the matter.
Why do people say they gagged when talking about nausea?
In this sense, to gag means to retch or feel an involuntary urge to vomit, usually triggered by a bad smell, taste, or sight. It describes a physical reflex rather than actual vomiting.
Can gag be used as both a noun and a verb with different meanings?
Yes, as a noun gag can mean a physical mouth restraint, a comedic bit, or a suppression order, while as a verb it can mean to physically prevent someone from speaking or to retch. The intended meaning is usually clear from context.
