Meaning and usage of the word gape in English

Meaning and usage of the word gape in English

Meaning of vocabulary gape

gapenoun
Gape
/ɡeɪp//ɡeɪp/

Origin of the word gape

The word "gape" has an intriguing history, stemming from the Old English word "gæppan," meaning "to yawn, to stare." This word is related to the Old Norse "gapa," meaning "to gape." The origin of these words is likely connected to the sound of a wide-mouthed yawn or the expression of surprise, reflecting the physical act of opening one's mouth wide. Over time, the word "gape" evolved to encompass various meanings, including staring in awe or wonder, to be wide open, and even to express a sense of emptiness or lack.

Vocabulary summary gape

type noun

meaning yawn

example the gapes: yawning (of chickens); (joking) yawning

meaning gape, gape

meaning mouth opening

example to gape at something: what are you looking at with your mouth open?

type journalize

meaning yawn

example the gapes: yawning (of chickens); (joking) yawning

meaning open your mouth wide (number...; wound...)

meaning (: at) gape

example to gape at something: what are you looking at with your mouth open?

Example of vocabulary gapenamespace

an act of staring at somebody/something with your mouth open because you are shocked or surprised

She climbed into her sports car to the gapes of passers-by.
The crowds gaped as the acrobats performed death-defying stunts on the trapeze.
My nephew's mouth gaped open in surprise as I presented him with his birthday present.
The hiker's mouth gaped as she caught a glimpse of a mountain lion stalking through the trees.
The audience gaped in shock as the singer forgot the words to her own song.

a large wide open mouth or beak