Meaning

(intransitive) To clean one's mouth by holding water or some other liquid in the back of the mouth and blowing air out from the lungs..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To clean one's mouth by holding water or some other liquid in the back of the mouth and blowing air out from the lungs.
2. (intransitive) To make a sound like the one made while gargling.
3. (transitive) To clean a specific part of the body by gargling (almost always throat or mouth).
4. (transitive) To use (a liquid) for purposes of cleaning one's mouth or throat by gargling.
5. (slang, transitive) To perform oral sex on (a person or genitals).
6. A liquid used for gargling.
7. (countable) The sound or act of gargling.
8. (slang, countable, uncountable) Lager or other alcoholic drink.

Example Sentences

She hated the poisoned feeling in her throat, and no matter how often she gargled she felt unclean and disgusting.

They don't gargle their throats with anything stronger than coffee at this tavern.

Every morning he gargled a little cheap Scotch.

I'd like to gargle his marbles.

But the case was pressing, and the nearest medical practitioner was sent for. On examining the throat, he expressed his desire that a physician should be called in, and accordingly a gentleman, duly authorized, made his appearance, and prescribed gargles and diluents secundem artem.

Take of borax 1 drm., tinc. of myrrh 1/2 oz., clarified honey 1 oz., rose or distilled water, 4 oz.; mix. To be used as a gargle or mouth wash in sore mouth or affection of the gums.

Word Forms

• gargles
• gargling
• gargled

Synonyms for gargle

Related Words

When Should You Use Gargle?

Use gargle when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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