Gurgling: meaning, definitions and examples

Gurgling is often used to describe the sound of liquid moving in a restricted space, like water flowing through pipes or a baby making happy sounds.

• The gurgling of the small stream was quite soothing.
• She laughed, producing a soft gurgling sound.

Bubble refers to a small, spherical pocket of gas in a liquid or the sound produced by these pockets when they burst. It can also metaphorically describe a period of rapid expansion followed by a collapse.

• The pot on the stove began to bubble.
• He blew bubbles in the air for the children.
• The housing bubble burst in 2008.

Splash refers to the sound or action of something striking or being struck by liquid with force, causing droplets to scatter.

• He made a big splash when he jumped into the pool.
• The rain began to splash against the window.

Ripple is used to describe a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water or another liquid, often caused by something disturbing the surface.

• The pebble caused a ripple in the pond.
• A ripple of laughter spread through the audience.