goggle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal for the verb; Technical/Standard for the noun (eyewear).
Quick answer
What does “goggle” mean?
to look at something with wide-open eyes, often due to surprise, amazement, or stupidity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to look at something with wide-open eyes, often due to surprise, amazement, or stupidity; a stare.
Refers to the verb describing the act of staring or the noun for protective eyewear, particularly for swimming or industrial use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The noun 'goggles' is universally standard. The verb might be slightly more common in British informal use.
Connotations
In both varieties, the verb can carry a slightly negative or comical connotation (e.g., gawking).
Frequency
The noun 'goggles' is high-frequency in contexts like sports or safety. The verb is mid-to-low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “goggle” in a Sentence
[subject] goggle at [object][subject] goggle in [emotion e.g., amazement][subject] is goggle-eyedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goggle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tourists would goggle at the towering architecture.
- He goggled in disbelief when he saw the final score.
American English
- Kids goggled at the special effects in the movie.
- She goggled at the price tag on the designer handbag.
adverb
British English
- She stared goggle-eyed at the celebrity.
- They watched goggle-eyed as the plane landed on the beach.
American English
- He looked on goggle-eyed as the argument escalated.
- The fans watched goggle-eyed from the front row.
adjective
British English
- He was left goggle-eyed by the magician's trick.
- The goggle-eyed toddler watched the goldfish.
American English
- The announcement left the audience goggle-eyed.
- He had a goggle-eyed expression of pure shock.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in safety contexts ('Ensure all employees wear safety goggles').
Academic
Rare for the verb. The noun appears in technical or scientific lab manuals.
Everyday
Common for the noun (swimming/ski goggles). The verb is informal.
Technical
Standard for protective eyewear in industrial, scientific, or sports settings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goggle”
- Using 'goggle' as a singular noun for one lens (correct: 'goggle' is rare as a singular; use 'goggles' or 'goggle lens').
- Confusing 'goggle' (stare) with 'gaggle' (a flock of geese).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Goggle' comes from Middle English, possibly imitative of eye movement. 'Google' is a trademarked company name.
It is very uncommon. The standard term is 'goggles' (plural) even for one set. You might say 'a pair of goggles' or 'a goggle lens' in technical contexts.
All mean to stare. 'Gawk' implies clumsiness or rudeness. 'Gape' suggests an open-mouthed stare of wonder. 'Goggle' specifically implies wide, protuberant eyes, often due to surprise or simplicity.
It is less common in modern everyday speech than 'stare'. It is considered somewhat informal and descriptive, often found in narrative writing.
to look at something with wide-open eyes, often due to surprise, amazement, or stupidity.
Goggle is usually informal for the verb; technical/standard for the noun (eyewear). in register.
Goggle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “goggle-eyed (wide-eyed with surprise or amazement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a frog's GOOGLY eyes - they 'goggle' at flies.
Conceptual Metaphor
EYES ARE PROTRUDING OBJECTS / SEEING IS GRASPING WITH THE EYES.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'goggle' MOST formally used?