gargle
Gargle (verb) means to rinse the mouth or throat with liquid, tilting the head back and pushing air through it to make a bubbling sound. Example: “The doctor told him to gargle with salt water for his sore throat.”
How to use gargle
Learner’s notesWord forms
gargled past tense, gargles plural, gargles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor told him to _____ with salt water for his sore throat.
Etymology
From French gargouiller, ultimately related to "gutter" and "throat" — the same root gives us "gargoyle."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “gargle” mean?
The word “gargle” means to rinse the mouth or throat with liquid, tilting the head back and pushing air through it to make a bubbling sound.
How do you pronounce “gargle”?
“Gargle” is pronounced GAH-guhl (/ˈɡɑɹɡəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gargle” in a sentence?
Here is “gargle” used in a sentence: “The doctor told him to gargle with salt water for his sore throat.”
What is another word for “gargle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gargle” include mouthwash.
What part of speech is “gargle”?
Depending on how it is used, “gargle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gargle” come from?
The word “gargle” comes from French. From French gargouiller, ultimately related to "gutter" and "throat" — the same root gives us "gargoyle.".
How many meanings does “gargle” have?
“Gargle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to rinse the mouth or throat with liquid, tilting the head back and pushing air through it to make a bubbling sound.