adj Uncommon

gaping

GAY-pihng

Gaping (adj) means Wide open, especially describing a large hole, wound, or crack. Example: “The explosion left a gaping hole in the wall.”

adj

Wide open, especially describing a large hole, wound, or crack.

"The explosion left a gaping hole in the wall."

"There was a gaping crack running across the ceiling."

How to use gaping

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something opened up very wide, like a big hole or wound.

Common pairings

a gaping hole a gaping wound a gaping void

Word forms

more gaping comparative, gapings plural, most gaping superlative

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The explosion left a _____ hole in the wall.

Etymology

From Middle English gaping, gapynge, variants of Middle English gapand, gapande, equivalent to gape + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for gaping

taping shaping reaping escaping scraping landscaping videotaping

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gaping” mean?

The word “gaping” means wide open, especially describing a large hole, wound, or crack. In plain terms, describes something opened up very wide, like a big hole or wound.

How do you pronounce “gaping”?

“Gaping” is pronounced GAY-pihng (/ˈɡeɪpɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gaping” in a sentence?

Here is “gaping” used in a sentence: “The explosion left a gaping hole in the wall.”

What part of speech is “gaping”?

“Gaping” is an adjective.

Is “gaping” a common word?

“Gaping” is an uncommon word in modern English.