verb
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gape
GAYP
Gape (verb) means to stare with your mouth open wide, usually in shock or amazement. Example: “Tourists gaped at the size of the waterfall.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- gapes
- Third person singular
- gapes
- Past tense
- gaped
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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."
Related words
Rhymes for gape
See all rhymes for gape →Frequently asked questions
What does “gape” mean?
The word “gape” means to stare with your mouth open wide, usually in shock or amazement. In plain terms, to stare with your mouth hanging open, usually because you're shocked or amazed by something.
How do you pronounce “gape”?
“Gape” is pronounced GAYP (/ˈɡeɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “gape” in a sentence?
Here is “gape” used in a sentence: “Tourists gaped at the size of the waterfall.”
What part of speech is “gape”?
Depending on how it is used, “gape” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gape” come from?
The word “gape” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse gapa, "to open the mouth wide" — the same root that gives us "gap.".
How many meanings does “gape” have?
“Gape” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stare with your mouth open wide, usually in shock or amazement.
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