What does gulped mean?
Gulped is the past tense and past participle of the verb gulp, meaning to swallow suddenly or quickly, usually in a large mouthful. It gives a vivid account of an action rather than merely stating that someone ate or drank: the speaker or writer emphasizes the abrupt movement, the size of the swallow, and often the person's urgency or exhaustion. A thirsty traveller may have gulped down a drink, while an exhausted runner may have gulped for air. The second use extends the idea of swallowing to breathing, suggesting a sharp intake of air when someone is desperate for breath. Gulped is especially effective in narrative writing and informal speech, where a precise, physical word communicates more than a general term such as drank or breathed. It can sound slightly dramatic, but its strength is usually clarity and immediacy rather than excessive formality.
verb (past tense and past participle of gulp)To swallow suddenly or quickly, especially in a large mouthful; to take in air with an abrupt, convulsive swallow.
- To swallow food, drink, or another liquid quickly, suddenly, or in a large mouthful.
- To take in air abruptly or with difficulty, especially when exhausted or frightened.
"After the long climb, he gulped down a glass of water and tried to catch his breath."
"She gulped down the last of her tea before the meeting began."
"The exhausted swimmer reached the poolside and gulped for air."
Sometimes one swallowed mouthful tells the whole story: the thirsty traveller gulped, and the silence broke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gulped come from?
Gulped is the regular past tense and past participle of the English verb gulp, which means to swallow food, drink, or air with a sudden movement. The base verb is older than the modern inflected form, but its ultimate historical source is not certain enough to identify with confidence, so no specific language or date is asserted here.
How gulped is actually used
Informal and vivid rather than formal. The word commonly suggests haste, relief, exhaustion, or difficulty, depending on the context.
Easily confused with gulped
Gulp is the base verb and also a noun meaning a large swallow; gulped is its inflected past-tense and past-participle form.