Gobble: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe eating something quickly and greedily, often with sounds. It's often associated with a lack of manners.

• The kids gobbled up their candy as soon as they got home from trick-or-treating

Best used when someone is eating with great enthusiasm and in large amounts. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

• He devoured the entire pizza by himself
• / She devoured the novel in one sitting

Best used to describe eating very quickly due to hunger or lack of time, often with a sense of urgency.

• He wolfed down his breakfast before running out the door to catch the bus

Best used to describe drinking quickly and in large amounts at once. It can also be used metaphorically to describe swallowing emotions or words.

• After the long run, he gulped down the water
• / She gulped nervously before speaking in front of the crowd

Used when describing someone or something eating quickly and greedily. It can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to people.

• He got so hungry that he began to gobble his food without even tasting it.
• The children gobbled up their ice cream before it melted.

Commonly used to describe the sound made by chickens. Can also be used metaphorically to describe someone making a fuss or showing disapproval.

• The chickens clucked loudly in the coop.
• She clucked her tongue in disapproval when she saw the mess.

Typically used to describe the light and cheerful sound made by small birds or insects. Can also describe a high-pitched, happy sound in a broader context.

• The birds started to chirp as the sun rose.
• She chirped happily when she received the news.

Refers to a bubbling sound, often used to describe the sound of water or the sounds made by a baby.

• The stream gurgled as it flowed over the rocks.
• The baby gurgled happily in his crib.