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Meaning & use

gasping

verb, adjective·Everyday

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UK/ˈɡɑːspɪŋ/
US/ˈɡæspɪŋ/

“gasping” is a form of “gasp”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive or intransitive

    Taking in air sharply through the mouth, because of shock, effort or difficulty in breathing.

    Grammar: No object: she was gasping. Or with a quote: 'No!' he was gasping.

    Patterns

    • gasping for air
    • gasping in surprise

    He came out of the water gasping for air.

    The crowd was gasping as the acrobat slipped.

    She stood gasping at the top of the stairs.

  2. adjectiveafter a verbinformalBritish

    Very thirsty or desperately wanting something.

    Grammar: Used after be with for: I'm gasping for a drink.

    Patterns

    • be gasping for something

    I'm gasping for a glass of water after that run.

    We were gasping for a coffee by noon.

    He was gasping for a cigarette.

Common combinations

gasping for breath
The runner finished gasping for breath.
gasping for air
She surfaced gasping for air.
gasping in shock
People were gasping in shock.
gasping with pain
He lay gasping with pain.

Synonyms and how they differ

panting
Panting is quick breathing from heat or effort, while gasping is sharper and often sudden.
wheezing
Wheezing includes a whistling sound from the chest.
puffing
Puffing is informal and suggests tired breath.

Opposites

breathing easily

Word family

gasp noun
a sudden sharp breath
gasp verb
to breathe in sharply
gasper noun
British slang for cigarette
gaspingly adverb
in a gasping way

Commonly confused: gasping or grasping?

gasping vs grasping

Grasping means gripping or greedy, while gasping is about breath.

Practice

After the sprint, he stood bent over, ___ for breath.

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