Meaning & use

gape

verb·Academic

To stare with the mouth open wide, typically in surprise, shock, or wonder.

See it in a sentence

Tourists gaped at the towering waterfall as mist drifted over the crowd.

He gaped in disbelief when he saw the size of the bill.

A note on using this word

Gape can also describe an object, such as a wound or a hole, that is wide open, as in 'a gaping hole in the wall.'

Words with a similar meaning

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