gape

Everyday

1. To stare with your mouth wide open, because you are surprised or amazed. tree →
2. To be or become wide open: a hole gaped in the wall. tree →
3. (noun) A wide-open mouth or a wide opening; in birds, the width of the open beak. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, characters «gape» when they are shocked or astonished, and a «gaping hole» or «gaping wound» is a big, frightening opening. In science, the gape of a bird or snake is how wide it can open its mouth. Phrases: gape at, a gaping hole, gaping mouth, stand gaping.

Examples

• We gaped at the giant whale skeleton in the museum. tree →
• The children gaped when the magician vanished. tree →
• A huge hole gaped in the road after the flood. tree →
• Don't just stand there gaping, help me! tree →
• The baby birds gaped, waiting for worms. tree →
• A snake's gape lets it swallow an egg whole. tree →
• There was a gaping hole in the fence where the cow got out. tree →
• The gape of his enormous jaws was nearly as wide as the gateway of the king's palace. tree →

Note

Past: gaped (one p); -ing: gaping. Pronounced to rhyme with «tape». Do not confuse with «gasp» (a quick breath in) or «gap» (a space). «Gawp» (UK) is a similar informal word for staring rudely.