First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1gape
verb \ˈgāp sometimes ˈgap\
: to open widely
: to look at someone or something with your mouth open in surprise or wonder
gapedgap·ing
Full Definition of GAPE
intransitive verb
1
a : to open the mouth wide b : to open or part widely <holes gaped in the pavement>
2
: to gaze stupidly or in openmouthed surprise or wonder
See gape defined for English-language learners
See gape defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GAPE
Middle English, from Old Norse gapa; perhaps akin to Latin hiare to gape, yawn — more at yawn
2gape
noun
Definition of GAPE
1
2
: an unfilled space or extent
3
a : the median margin-to-margin length of the open mouth b : the line along which the mandibles of a bird close c : the width of an opening
4
plural but sing in constr a : a disease of birds and especially young birds in which gapeworms invade and irritate the trachea b : a fit of yawning
First Known Use of GAPE
1535
GAPE Defined for Kids
1gape
verb \ˈgāp\
gapedgap·ing
Definition of GAPE for Kids
1
: to stare with the mouth open in surprise or wonder <… he stood and gaped at her in astonishment … — Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking>
2
: to open or part widely <a gaping wound>
2gape
noun
Definition of GAPE for Kids
: an act or instance of opening or staring with the mouth open <He ignored everyone's stunned gapes.>
Learn More About GAPE
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up gape? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).