gurgle

[gur-guhl]

verb (used without object)

gurgled, gurgling 

1. to flow in a broken, irregular, noisy current.

   The water gurgled from the bottle.

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

2. to make a sound as of water doing this (often used of birds or of human beings).

   Synonyms: babble, burble, bubble

verb (used with object)

gurgled, gurgling 

1. to utter or express with a gurgling sound.

   The baby gurgled her delight.

noun

1. the act or noise of gurgling.

gurgle

/ ˈɡɜːɡəl /

verb

1. (of liquids, esp of rivers, streams, etc) to make low bubbling noises when flowing

2. to utter low throaty bubbling noises, esp as a sign of contentment

   the baby gurgled with delight

noun

1. the act or sound of gurgling

Other Word Forms

• gurglingly adverb
• gurgling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

First recorded in 1555–65; compare Dutch, Middle Low German gorgelen, German gurgeln “to gargle”; akin to Latin gurguliō “throat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gurgle¹

C16: perhaps from Vulgar Latin gurgulāre, from Latin gurguliō gullet

Example Sentences

He can make a Bach sarabande work anywhere, including on a river rafting trip with a background of gurgling water on his latest Bach recording.

From Los Angeles Times

The small town, nestled between tall Himalayan mountains with a gurgling Lidder River flowing through it, is called the mini-Switzerland of India.

From BBC

Contemporary accounts describe an idyllic place of manicured lawns, a gurgling fountain and decent food and lodging.

From Los Angeles Times

"There was a bubbly gurgling sound from Victoria," she told the court.

From BBC

The court heard how fire crews were alerted to the presence of a woman by a gurgling sound.

From BBC