What does "gape" mean?
An act of gaping; a yawn.
Gape
/ˈɡeɪp/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of gaping; a yawn.
- Grammar: gape is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abysm, abyss, aperture, aperture.
- Useful contrasts: close, closed mouth, closure.
- Usage evidence: I can only gape at such perfection.
How to use "gape"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "gape" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "gape" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "gape" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "gape" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "gape" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abysm" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "gape", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of gaping; a yawn. countable, uncommon, uncountable
"Now a gen'ral gape goes round, And vapours cloud each sleepy head."
- 2 a stare of amazement (usually with the mouth open) wordnet
- 3 A large opening. countable, uncountable
- 4 an expression of openmouthed astonishment wordnet
- 5 A disease in poultry caused by gapeworm in the windpipe, a symptom of which is frequent gaping. uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 The width of an opening. countable, uncountable
- 7 The maximum opening of the mouth (of a bird, fish, etc.) when it is open. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as in a yawn, anger, or surprise. intransitive
"1723, Jonathan Swift, The Journal of a Modern Lady, 1810, Samuel Johnson, The Works of the English Poets, from Chaucer to Cowper, Volume 11, page 467, She stretches, gapes, unglues her eyes, / And asks if it be time to rise;"
- 2 look with amazement; look stupidly wordnet
- 3 To stare in wonder. intransitive
"Home I vvould go, / But that my Dores are hatefull to my eyes. / Fill'd and damm'd up vvith gaping Creditors, / VVatchfull as Fovvlers vvhen their Game vvill ſpring; […]"
- 4 be wide open wordnet
- 5 To open wide; to display a gap. intransitive
"The wound was gaping open and losing too much blood."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To open the passage to the vomeronasal organ, analogous to the flehming in other animals. intransitive
- 7 To depict a dilated anal or vaginal cavity upon penetrative sexual activity.
Example
"I can only gape at such perfection."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "gape"?
Common synonyms include: abysm, abyss, aperture, aperture, arroyo, attend.
How do you use "gape" in a sentence?
I can only gape at such perfection.
How do you pronounce "gape"?
Pronounced /ˈɡeɪp/.
Etymology
From Middle English gapen, from Old Norse gapa (“to gape”) (compare Swedish gapa, Danish gabe), from Proto-Germanic *gapōną (descendants Middle English geapen, Dutch gapen, German gaffen), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰеh₂b-. Cognates include Russian зяпа (zjapa). Doublet of gap.