gapes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal/Neutral for the staring sense; Specialized/Technical for the veterinary term.
Quick answer
What does “gapes” mean?
To stare with an open mouth, often in surprise, awe, or wonder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stare with an open mouth, often in surprise, awe, or wonder.
Used to describe a wide opening or separation, often in a literal sense (e.g., a gaping hole). In veterinary medicine (as 'the gapes'), it refers to a disease of birds causing them to gasp for air.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The veterinary term 'the gapes' is understood in both.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Moderately low and similar in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gapes” in a Sentence
[Subject] gapes at [object][Subject] gapes in [emotion]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gapes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just gaped gormlessly at the broken telly.
- The cliff gapes open, revealing layers of ancient rock.
American English
- She gaped at the massive portion of fries.
- A gaping hole was left in the sidewalk.
adverb
British English
- He stared gapingly at the royal procession. (rare, literary)
American English
- She looked at him gapingly, lost for words. (rare, literary)
adjective
British English
- The gaping audience was quickly hushed.
- They fixed the gaping crack in the wall.
American English
- He had a gaping look of disbelief on his face.
- The gaping wound required immediate stitches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The figures left the board gaping.'
Academic
Rare in formal prose. May appear in literary analysis.
Everyday
Most common: 'She gaped at the price.'
Technical
Specific to ornithology/veterinary science for the disease 'the gapes'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gapes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gapes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gapes”
- Using 'gapes' as a noun for a person (incorrect: 'He is a gapes.'). Confusing 'gape' (v) with 'gap' (n).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal or neutral. The act of staring open-mouthed is not typically described with formal vocabulary.
Yes. Objects like holes, wounds, or cracks can be described as 'gaping' to emphasise how wide and open they are.
They are close synonyms. 'Gawk' often implies a more clumsy, prolonged, and stupid kind of staring, whereas 'gape' focuses more on the open-mouthed reaction itself.
Present: I/you/we/they gape, he/she/it gapes. Past & Past Participle: gaped. Present Participle: gaping.
To stare with an open mouth, often in surprise, awe, or wonder.
Gapes: in British English it is pronounced /ɡeɪps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡeɪps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stand there with one's mouth gaping”
- “gaping hole/wound”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GAP-es' - it creates a GAP in your mouth when you stare.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURPRISE IS BEING PHYSICALLY OPENED / IGNORANCE IS AN EMPTY SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'the gapes' a technical term?