gaping

adjective

gap·​ing ˈgā-piŋ How to pronounce gaping (audio)
Synonyms of gapingnext
: wide open
a gaping hole

Examples of gaping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And that is just a gaping fundamental hole with the entire structure. — David Pogue, CBS News, 30 June 2024 Given that there is no witness to what happened, that leaves a very gaping hole in this investigation. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025 There is a gaping sense of hunger, particularly in a story of a love between two women, one with a crescent moon tattoo on her chest. — Nina McLaughlin, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2023 That left a gaping July Fourth hole on the racing schedule, which Joliet will now fill, at least in 2026. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gaping

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of gape entry 1

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gaping was in 1588

Rhymes for gaping

See All Rhymes for gaping

Browse Nearby Words

gap-framepress
gaping
gap junction
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gaping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaping. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gaping

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gaping

Nglish: Translation of gaping for Spanish Speakers

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