gobble

1
[ gob-uhl ]
See synonyms for gobble on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),gob·bled, gob·bling.
  1. to swallow or eat hastily or hungrily in large pieces; gulp.

  2. to seize upon eagerly (often followed by up): After being gone for so long, they gobbled up all the local news.

verb (used without object),gob·bled, gob·bling.
  1. to eat hastily.

Origin of gobble

1
1595–1605; probably imitative; see gob1, -le

Other words for gobble

Other definitions for gobble (2 of 2)

gobble2
[ gob-uhl ]

verb (used without object),gob·bled, gob·bling.
  1. to make the characteristic throaty cry of a male turkey.

noun
  1. the cry itself.

Origin of gobble

2
First recorded in 1670–80; variant of gabble

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use gobble in a sentence

  • Their manner of talking has been compared to the clucking of a hen, and by the Dutch to the "gobbling of a turkeycock."

    Man And His Ancestor | Charles Morris
  • His mate, meanwhile, was gobbling the lily-root as if she had not eaten for a week.

    The Watchers of the Trails | Charles G. D. Roberts
  • You fellers vot iss always gobbling yet, you iss quit it alreatty!

    The Happy Family | Bertha Muzzy Bower
  • While vocal and fly-gobbling talents are tenderly fostered, dignified Wisdom is not only neglected, but persecuted.

  • The bear appeared to be listening also; there was gobbling and a pause; more gobbling and another pause—oh!

British Dictionary definitions for gobble (1 of 2)

gobble1

/ (ˈɡɒbəl) /


verb
  1. (when tr, often foll by up) to eat or swallow (food) hastily and in large mouthfuls

  2. (tr often foll by up) informal to snatch

Origin of gobble

1
C17: probably from gob 1

British Dictionary definitions for gobble (2 of 2)

gobble2

/ (ˈɡɒbəl) /


noun
  1. the loud rapid gurgling sound made by male turkeys

interjection
  1. an imitation of this sound

verb
  1. (intr) (of a turkey) to make this sound

Origin of gobble

2
C17: probably of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012