verb
gloat
gloht
Gloat (verb) means to show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure. Example: “He couldn't resist gloating after his rival dropped out of the race.”
verb
1
To show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure.
"He couldn't resist gloating after his rival dropped out of the race."
"She gloated over her ex-boyfriend's messy breakup."
noun
1
An act of gloating.
"His victory gloat lasted the entire car ride home."
How to use gloat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShowing off, smugly, that you won or that someone else lost.
Common mistake
Gloating is always self-satisfied and a bit mean-spirited — it's not neutral pride, it's pride rubbed in someone's face.
Common pairings
gloat over a victory
gloat about it
can't help but gloat
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Word forms
- Plural
- gloats
- Third person singular
- gloats
- Past tense
- gloated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He couldn't resist _____ after his rival dropped out of the race.
Etymology
From Middle English roots meaning "to grin or stare scornfully," ultimately traced back to an Old Norse or Old English word for staring — the same ancient family that gives us "glow" and "glint."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gloat
See all rhymes for gloat →Frequently asked questions
What does “gloat” mean?
The word “gloat” means to show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure. In plain terms, showing off, smugly, that you won or that someone else lost.
How do you pronounce “gloat”?
“Gloat” is pronounced gloht (/ɡloʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gloat” in a sentence?
Here is “gloat” used in a sentence: “He couldn't resist gloating after his rival dropped out of the race.”
What part of speech is “gloat”?
Depending on how it is used, “gloat” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “gloat” come from?
The word “gloat” comes from Old English. From Middle English roots meaning "to grin or stare scornfully," ultimately traced back to an Old Norse or Old English word for staring — the same ancient family that gives us "glow" and "glint.".
How many meanings does “gloat” have?
“Gloat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to show obvious, often smug pleasure at your own success or at someone else's failure.
