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 notesIn plain EnglishTo swallow something quickly, or a nervous swallow that shows fear.
Common pairings
gulp down
take a gulp
gulp air
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gulp.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- gulps
- Third person singular
- gulps
- Past tense
- gulped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gulp:
