gape
To stare at something with your mouth open, usually because you are surprised.
To look at someone or something for a long time, often with your mouth open, because you are surprised, impressed, or curious.
To be open very wide.
To be open very wide, especially in an unnatural or striking way, like a door, hole, or wound.
To open your mouth wide.
To open your mouth wide, for example when yawning, breathing heavily, or showing surprise.
A big open space or gap.
A wide opening or gap, especially one that seems empty, deep, or alarming.
A surprised stare with your mouth open.
An act of gaping; a long, open-mouthed stare showing surprise or confusion.
- Base: gape
- Plural: gapes
- Base: gape
- 3rd Person Singular: gapes
- Present Participle: gaping
- Past: gaped
a gaping hole in [something]
1major absence or missing part
A big missing part or problem that is easy to notice.
- The proposal has a gaping hole in its cost estimates.
- Her sudden departure left a gaping hole in the team.
- That explanation leaves a gaping hole in the story.
- This plan has a gaping hole in it.
gape open
1be wide open
To be open very wide.
- The cupboard door gaped open all night.
- Her mouth gaped open when she saw the mistake.
- A suitcase lay on the bed, gaping open.
- The door was gaping open.
gaping hole
1large, very noticeable hole
A very big, easy-to-see hole.
- There was a gaping hole in the roof after the storm.
- The car hit a barrier and left a gaping hole in the fence.
- A gaping hole opened in the ground beside the path.
- There is a gaping hole in the wall.
leave [someone] gaping
1shock someone greatly
To surprise someone a lot.
- The final plot twist left the audience gaping.
- His answer left me gaping with surprise.
- The size of the bill left them gaping.
- The news left me gaping.
stand there gaping
1stand staring in surprise
To stand and stare because you are surprised.
- Don’t just stand there gaping—call an ambulance!
- They stood there gaping as the magician made the card disappear.
- I stood there gaping, not sure what to say next.
- Don’t stand there gaping.