gargle

Everyday

1. To gargle means to hold liquid in the back of your throat and blow air through it to make it bubble, to clean or soothe your throat. tree →
2. (noun) A gargle is the act of gargling, or a liquid used for it, like salt water. tree →
3. (noun, Irish/UK slang) A gargle is an alcoholic drink. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons it is a home remedy for a sore throat: gargle with warm salt water. In everyday life, people gargle mouthwash after brushing their teeth. It also describes a bubbling sound. Phrases: «gargle with salt water».

Examples

• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe your sore throat. tree →
• Dad gargles mouthwash every morning. tree →
• Don't swallow the mouthwash — just gargle and spit. tree →
• The baby made a funny gargling sound. tree →
• The water gargled down the drain. tree →
• I can gargle the tune of «Happy Birthday»! tree →
• (Ireland, slang) «Fancy a gargle after work?» tree →

Note

Regular verb: gargled. Gargling liquid is spat out, not swallowed. It can soothe a sore throat but is not a cure for an infection. The Irish slang sense means a drink of alcohol and is for adults.