verb

goggle

GOG-uhl

Goggle (verb) means to stare at something with wide, bulging eyes, usually in astonishment. Example: “The children goggled at the size of the cake.”

verb

To stare at something with wide, bulging eyes, usually in astonishment.

"The children goggled at the size of the cake."

"He stood goggling as the car reversed straight into the fountain."

noun

Close-fitting protective eyewear with a seal around the eyes, worn for swimming, skiing, welding or lab work. Almost always used in the plural, goggles.

"You can't enter the workshop without safety goggles."

"Her goggles fogged up on the first length."

How to use goggle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo stare open-eyed at something, or the protective glasses you strap on.

When to use it

The verb is slightly old-fashioned and comic; the plural noun is entirely ordinary.

Memory tip

Goggles is a plural-only noun like trousers: say a pair of goggles, never a goggle.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

goggle vs. Google goggles vs. glasses goggle vs. boggle

Common pairings

goggle at swimming goggles safety goggles ski goggles beer goggles

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Can you complete this real example?

The children _____ at the size of the cake.

Etymology

From 14th century Middle English gogelen (“to roll (eyes), to look sideways”). Earlier source is unknown. The noun is attested from the 17th century. Compare Irish gog (“a nod, a slight motion”).

Synonyms

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gape gawp stare gawk boggle eye protection safety glasses

Related words

look peer stare hesitate gaze goon boggle gape

Rhymes for goggle

toggle boggle

See all rhymes for goggle →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between goggles and glasses?

Glasses rest on the nose and ears with open sides. Goggles are strapped on and sit flush against the face, sealing the eyes off from water, dust, chemicals or wind. Goggles are worn for protection, glasses usually for vision correction.

Is goggle related to Google?

Not as a matter of established fact. Goggle is a much older English verb meaning to stare, and Google is a company name; any account linking the two should be treated as speculation.

What is the meaning of goggle?

"goggle" (verb) means to stare at something with wide, bulging eyes, usually in astonishment.

What is another word for goggle?

Other words for "goggle" include gape, gawp, stare, gawk, boggle, eye protection.

People also searched

look peer stare hesitate gaze goon boggle gape