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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

gulp

guhlp

Gulp (verb) means to swallow quickly and in large amounts. Example: “He gulped down his coffee before running out the door.”

verb
1
To swallow quickly and in large amounts.
"He gulped down his coffee before running out the door."
"She gulped the water after the long run."
2
To swallow nervously as a sign of fear or anxiety.
"He gulped when the boss asked who broke the printer."
noun
1
A large swallow, or the amount swallowed at once.
"She finished the drink in a single gulp."

How to use gulp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo swallow something quickly, or a nervous swallow that shows fear.

Common pairings
gulp down take a gulp gulp air

Word forms

gulped past tense, gulps plural, gulps singular

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He _____ down his coffee before running out the door.

Etymology

From Middle English gulpen, probably of imitative origin, related to Dutch and German words for gushing or gulping.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for gulp

See all rhymes for gulp →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gulp” mean?

The word “gulp” means to swallow quickly and in large amounts. In plain terms, to swallow something quickly, or a nervous swallow that shows fear.

How do you pronounce “gulp”?

“Gulp” is pronounced guhlp (/ɡʌlp/ in IPA).

How do you use “gulp” in a sentence?

Here is “gulp” used in a sentence: “He gulped down his coffee before running out the door.”

What part of speech is “gulp”?

Depending on how it is used, “gulp” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “gulp” come from?

The word “gulp” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gulpen, probably of imitative origin, related to Dutch and German words for gushing or gulping.

How many meanings does “gulp” have?

“Gulp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to swallow quickly and in large amounts.

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