gargle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; slightly technical in medical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gargle” mean?
To wash the mouth or throat by holding a liquid in the back of the mouth, tilting the head back, and exhaling through the liquid, causing it to bubble.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To wash the mouth or throat by holding a liquid in the back of the mouth, tilting the head back, and exhaling through the liquid, causing it to bubble.
To make a sound or movement reminiscent of bubbling or gurgling water.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use the term identically for hygiene and medical purposes. Minor potential difference in brand names for 'gargle' products.
Connotations
Neutral in both, with primary association being healthcare/home remedy. The sound description can be humorous or descriptive.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gargle” in a Sentence
[Subject] + gargle + [Direct Object: liquid][Subject] + gargle + with + [Object: liquid][Subject] + gargle + [Adverbial: for 30 seconds]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gargle” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He had a quick gargle before the meeting.
- This gargle has a strong minty flavour.
American English
- A saltwater gargle can be very soothing.
- He took a bottle of antiseptic gargle from the cabinet.
verb
British English
- The doctor advised him to gargle with a medicated mouthwash.
- I could hear him gargling in the bathroom.
American English
- She gargles salt water at the first sign of a sore throat.
- The faulty drain gargled loudly before backing up.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing/packaging for oral hygiene products.
Academic
Rare outside of medical/health sciences texts describing procedures.
Everyday
Common in healthcare/home remedy contexts: 'Gargle with salt water.'
Technical
Used in medical/dental instructions as a therapeutic action.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gargle”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gargle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gargle”
- Using 'gargle' instead of 'rinse' for objects (e.g., *'Gargle the cup').
- Incorrect pronunciation /ɡɑːrˈɡleɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most common for oral hygiene/throat care, it can also describe any similar bubbling/gurgling sound, like water in a drain.
Yes. As a noun, it refers to either the liquid used for gargling (e.g., 'a minty gargle') or the act itself (e.g., 'have a gargle').
'Gargle' is specific to agitating liquid in the back of the throat/mouth. 'Rinse' is broader: you rinse your mouth (swish liquid around), rinse a dish, or rinse your hair.
No, this is a common learner mistake. You gargle *with* a liquid, or you simply 'gargle'. The throat is understood as the location. Correct: 'Gargle with salt water.' Incorrect: *'Gargle your throat.'
To wash the mouth or throat by holding a liquid in the back of the mouth, tilting the head back, and exhaling through the liquid, causing it to bubble.
Gargle is usually neutral to informal; slightly technical in medical contexts. in register.
Gargle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑː.ɡəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːr.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Gargle and spit (a humorous or crude instruction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word itself sounds bubbly and gurgly, like the action it describes. Think of the 'gar-gle' sound in your throat.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOUTH/THROAT IS A CONTAINER (for liquid that is agitated).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following situations is the use of 'gargle' LEAST appropriate?