Gulp Meaning and Definition
Gulp
Pronunciation
/gʌlp/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sudden intake of air, typically accompanied by a sound, often resulting in a brief moment of discomfort or surprise.
Examples
- She let out a startled gulp when she saw the spider.
- He gulped down the beer without pausing.
- She took a deep gulp of air before diving into the pool.
- After riding the rollercoaster, he let out a nervous gulp.
- She gulped down the coffee to stay awake for the meeting.
Synonyms
- Swallow
- Gobble
Antonyms
- Breathe
- Exhale
Etymology
The word “gulp” likely originated from the Old English word “gulp”, meaning “to swallow or drink hastily”, which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “*guliz”, meaning “to swallow”.
Usage Notes
Gulp is often used to describe a sudden or involuntary intake of air, and can be used in a variety of contexts, including physical activity, emotional reactions, or everyday situations.
Cultural References
Gulp has been featured in various TV shows and movies, including “The Office”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “The Muppet Movie”, often used to convey surprise, shock, or embarrassment.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Gulp down
- Take a gulp
Related Words or Phrases
- Swallow
- Inhale
- Exhale
Collocations
- Gulp of air
- Gulp of water
- Gulp of coffee
Frequency of Use
Gulp is a common verb in modern English, particularly in informal contexts, and is often used in conversation to describe sudden or involuntary actions.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera
- Gulps