gape Hear it!

gape definition

gape (gāp; occas. gap)

intransitive verb gaped, gaping gap′·ing

  1. to open the mouth wide, as in yawning or hunger
  2. to stare with the mouth open, as in wonder or surprise
  3. to open or be opened wide, as a chasm

Etymology: ME gapen < ON gapa < IE *ghēp- < IE *ghēp- < base *ghe-, to yawn, gape > gab, Gr chasma, abyss, L hiatus

noun

  1. the act of gaping; specif.,
    1. an open-mouthed stare
    2. a yawn
  2. a wide gap or opening
  3. Zool. the measure of the widest possible opening of a mouth or beak

Related Forms:

gape Idioms

the gapes

  1. a disease of young poultry and birds, characterized by gasping and choking and caused by gapeworms
  2. a fit of yawning

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