gaping
[ˈɡeɪpɪŋ]
A gaping hole or space is really big and open.
You often hear this word used when describing something that's physically empty and noticeable. For example, you might say "The park had a gaping crater after the storm" if there was a huge depression left behind. You can also use it to describe emotional holes - like feeling a gaping sense of loneliness. In both cases, the idea is that there's a big gap or void that's hard to ignore.
How common is "gaping"?
Word gaping is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
verb
To open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as in a yawn, anger, or surprise.
adjective
Wide open.
Example: There’s a gaping hole in the fence.
Real examples of "gaping" in context
