Gut: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used in informal speech and can refer to the entire digestive tract, or more often, to the intestines. It can also be used figuratively to describe an intuitive feeling.

• He felt a sharp pain in his gut.
• Trust your gut; it’s usually right.

Best used in a more precise, medical, or scientific context to specifically refer to the small or large intestines.

• The doctors found an obstruction in his intestines.
• The intestines play a crucial role in absorbing nutrients from food.

Used to refer to the specific organ within the digestive system where food is first processed after being swallowed. Can also be used metaphorically to describe one's appetite or tolerance for something.

• She felt butterflies in her stomach before giving the speech.
• He can't stomach the thought of eating raw fish.

This term is more formal and is used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the entire system of organs involved in digestion.

• She studied the human digestive system in her biology class.
• Proper nutrition is important for a healthy digestive system.

Talking about a deep, almost primal feeling or reaction. Usually related to strong emotional responses rather than rational thought.

• I had a gut feeling that something was wrong
• Always trust your gut in dangerous situations

Used when talking about understanding or knowing something without the need for conscious reasoning or evidence. Often associated with a more subtle sense of insight or perception.

• She had the intuition that her friend was hiding something
• His intuition told him that the investment would be successful

Referring to natural, unlearned tendencies or reactions, often related to survival and innate behavior. Usually situational and immediate.

• Her motherly instinct kicked in when she saw the child in danger
• Animals rely on instinct to find food and avoid predators

Used when removing the internal organs of an animal or fish; can also refer to completely destroying the interior of a building or a space.

• We need to gut the fish before cooking it for dinner.
• The old house was gutted and renovated into a modern office space.

Used when removing all contents from a container or space; suggests leaving the space completely devoid of objects.

• Could you empty the trash can? It's overflowing.
• After the party, they had to empty the bottles and clean up the room.

Refers to thoroughly removing contents, often implying a general cleaning or decluttering of a space or area.

• It's time to clean out the attic and get rid of all the junk.
• She decided to clean out her closet and donate the clothes she no longer wears.