What does gloat mean?
To gloat is to display smug satisfaction, usually after a victory or because of another person's failure. The word carries a strongly negative social judgment: the gloating person is not merely pleased but seems determined to advertise that superiority or someone else's disappointment. As a verb, gloat is commonly followed by over, about, or at, as in “gloat over an opponent's error.” As a noun, a gloat names the feeling or outward expression of that self-satisfied pleasure, and it often appears in phrases such as “a gloat of satisfaction” or “with a gloat.” Because gloat implies a performative attitude rather than private happiness, it is more useful in criticism and narrative than as a neutral word for joy. It can also be used ironically, especially when describing someone who seems eager to celebrate an advantage.
To look or speak with smug satisfaction, especially over one's own success or another person's misfortune.
"She gloated over the fact that her team had won."
Common with over, about, and at; the expression normally conveys disapproval of the speaker or person behaving in this way.
A feeling or display of smug, self-satisfied pleasure, especially at one's own success or another's misfortune.
"He eyed the defeated opponent with an undisguised gloat."
The noun is usually countable, with the plural gloats, but is often used in the singular when referring to an attitude or instance of gloating.
The standard plural is gloats.
"Their repeated gloats ruined what had been a gracious celebration."
A gloat is the expression of someone who has won and wants everyone to know it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gloat come from?
Gloat is recorded in Middle English as gloten and derives from Old English glītan, meaning “to look, see.” Its older senses included looking, staring, or looking askance before the modern sense of expressing smug satisfaction developed in the early modern period. It is related to other English words connected with an Indo-European root associated with shining or looking, including gleam, glisten, and glitter.
Related word forms
How gloat is actually used
Gloat is generally negative or disapproving because it implies that a person is not merely pleased but is displaying that pleasure as a sign of superiority. It is common in British and American English and is often used ironically.
Easily confused with gloat
Gloating expresses smug satisfaction, whereas glowering means glaring or looking angry.