What does gawk mean?
Gawk means to stare with one's mouth open, usually because one is surprised, intensely curious, or behaving in a way that others consider foolish or rude. The word has a mildly disapproving tone: describing someone as gawking implies that their attention is excessive or socially awkward. It can also be used as a noun for an act of such staring. In everyday British and American English, people commonly say that someone is “gawking at” another person or thing, especially when a surprising sight has caused them to stop and stare. The word is useful when describing not merely looking but looking conspicuously, openly, and often in amazement. Its related adjective, gawky, instead describes someone or something clumsy, awkward, or ungainly.
To stare with an open mouth, especially in surprise, curiosity, or stupid amazement.
"Spectators gathered to gawk at the unusual creature in the enclosure."
Intransitive and commonly followed by “at.” The word is informal and often suggests rude or excessive curiosity.
An act of staring with an open mouth, especially in surprise or curiosity.
"She exchanged gawks with him over the absurdity of the situation."
Usually countable and used for a conspicuous or socially awkward stare.
The standard plural is gawks. The noun is normally used countably for individual acts of staring.
"The visitors' gawks were met with a stern look from the shopkeeper."
Gawk is the word for staring so openly that curiosity—or embarrassment—does the talking for you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How gawk is actually used
Gawk is informal and often mildly disparaging: it suggests a prolonged, conspicuous, or unwelcome stare rather than a neutral look. It is common in British and American English.
Easily confused with gawk
Gawk focuses on staring, often in a way that suggests amazement, curiosity, or rude curiosity, whereas gape primarily means to hold the mouth open, especially in astonishment.