to stare with an open mouth, as in wonder or surprise, to open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention

gape like a fish, gape at the ceiling, gape-mouthed

mouth agape, gape at, gaping hole

Formal and Informal Expressions of gape

In different contexts, you can replace 'gape' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stare, gaze' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'gawk, ogle' is a commonplace synonym.

gape: Explore its Definition & Usage

gape Definition

1to stare with an open mouth, as in wonder or surprise
2to open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as the result of hunger, sleepiness, or absorbed attention

Using gape: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gape" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The tourists gaped at the ancient ruins in awe.
Example
He gaped in amazement when he saw the magician pull a rabbit out of his hat.
Example
The child gaped at the candy store display.
Example
She gaped at him, unable to believe what she was hearing.

gape Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gape

Antonyms for gape

Idioms Using gape

gape like a fish
to stare with an open mouth, as if one were a fish
Example
He just stood there, gawking and gaping like a fish.
gape at the ceiling
to lie on one's back and stare at the ceiling, often due to boredom or lack of motivation
Example
I spent the whole afternoon just gaping at the ceiling, unable to focus on anything.
gape-mouthed
having the mouth open wide, especially in surprise or shock
Example
The gape-mouthed crowd watched in horror as the building collapsed.

Phrases with gape

mouth agape
with the mouth open wide, especially in surprise or shock
Example
He stood there, mouth agape, as the car drove off without him.
gape at
to stare at someone or something with an open mouth, usually because you are surprised or shocked
Example
The audience gaped at the acrobat's daring performance.
gaping hole
a large, open hole that is noticeable and often dangerous
Example
The earthquake left a gaping hole in the road.

Origins of gape

from Old Norse 'gap', meaning 'an open mouth'

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Summary: gape in Brief

The verb 'gape' [geɪp] means to stare with an open mouth, often in wonder or surprise, or to involuntarily open the mouth wide. It can be used to describe reactions to various stimuli, from ancient ruins to magic tricks. Phrases like 'mouth agape' and idioms like 'gape like a fish' emphasize the open-mouthed aspect of the verb.