Gurgling: meaning, definitions and examples

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gurgling

[ˈɡəːɡ(ə)lɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound

To make a bubbling or splashing sound, typically due to liquid flowing or moving.

Synonyms

bubble, ripple, splash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gurgling	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	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

The stream was gurgling as it flowed over the rocks.
The baby was gurgling happily while playing with the water.
The coffee maker gurgled as it brewed a fresh pot.
The creek gurgled softly in the background.
The fountain gurgled with a soothing sound.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originates from the Middle English word 'gurgen', which means to make a sound like a bubbling liquid.
In various languages, similar sounds describe the action of water moving, linking cultures through natural experiences.

Science

Gurgling sounds often occur in the gastrointestinal tract when gas or fluid moves through – a natural part of digestion.
In fluid dynamics, gurgling indicates that a liquid is transitioning from laminar flow to turbulence, which happens in various environments, from rivers to bathtubs.

Pop Culture

In animated films, characters often gurgle to express joy, surprise, or playfulness, making the sound synonymous with childlike happiness.
Some horror movies use gurgling sounds to create suspense or indicate danger, utilizing the unsettling nature of the noise.

Literature

Gurgling is often used in poetry to evoke imagery of nature, creating vivid soundscapes that enhance the reader's experience.
Classic children's literature frequently incorporates gurgling sounds to illustrate water scenes, appealing to children’s imaginations.

Psychology

Research suggests that sounds, including gurgling, can significantly impact mood, eliciting feelings of calmness associated with flowing water.
Gurgling noises made by infants can trigger nurturing responses in adults, connecting sounds to instinctual caregiving behaviors.

Translations

Translations of the word "gurgling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gorgolejar

🇮🇳 बड़बड़ाना

🇩🇪 gurgeln

🇮🇩 bergumam

🇺🇦 бурмотіння

🇵🇱 bulgotanie

🇯🇵 ゴボゴボ音

🇫🇷 gargouillement

🇪🇸 gorgoteo

🇹🇷 gürleme

🇰🇷 꾸르륵거림

🇸🇦 غرغرة

🇨🇿 bublání

🇸🇰 bublanie

🇨🇳 咕噜声

🇸🇮 brbotanje

🇮🇸 gurgla

🇰🇿 бұрқылдау

🇬🇪 ღუღუნი

🇦🇿 quruldayan

🇲🇽 gorgoteo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,468, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24465 mountainside
24466 unacknowledged
24467 testable
24468 gurgling
24469 tirade
24470 belittle
24471 showdown
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