gobble - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
gobble Word Meanings
- to eat quickly and greedily
- to make a characteristic sound of a turkey
- to speak rapidly or incoherently
gobble Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
gobble Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈgɒb.əl/
US
/ˈɡɑː.bəl/
gobble Word Etymology
root: gob- (to swallow) + suffix -ble (causative). Historical origin: possibly from Middle English 'gobben' (to gulp) → English. Memory image: imagine a turkey greedily gobbling up its food, creating a vivid sound as it swallows.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Gobble is a versatile informal verb that covers three related ideas. First, it describes eating quickly and greedily, often with a noisy gulping sound. Second, it refers to the turkey’s distinctive gobbling call. Third, it can mean speaking rapidly or incoherently, as if words are rushing out before thoughts are fully formed. The word tends to be vivid and humorous in tone, so avoid formal writing with gobble. Common collocations include gobble down, gobble up, and gobbler (the animal) as a noun. The etymology traces to gob- “to swallow” plus the suffix -ble, and has a long history in English from Middle English gobben (to gulp). Usage is flexible but playful, with emphasis on speed or noise rather than precision.
Usage Reminders
- Be mindful of tone; use gobble for humor or vivid descriptions.
- Avoid in formal writing.
- Mix with other eating verbs for nuance (gobble down vs devour vs scarf).
- Use with objects like dinner, noodles, pizza.
- Past tense is gobbled.
- Can describe talking fast in a lighthearted way.
Common Misconceptions
- It only describes birds.
- It is formal vocabulary.
- It only means 'to swallow' without any sense of speed or noise.
- It cannot describe talking.
- Its past tense is never used.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often use gobble to inject humor and a vivid sense of speed; it can describe both eating and talking quickly, but is not suitable for formal writing.
Learning Tips
- Learn gobble with common collocations: gobble down, gobble up.
- Compare with devour and scarf down to nuance tone.
- Use in humorous, informal contexts.
- Practice past tense: gobbled.
- Pair with foods: dinner, noodles, pizza.
- Avoid in formal writing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'gobble'?
A.Sleep peacefully
B.Eat quickly and greedily
C.Run fast
D.Study diligently
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'gobble' correctly?
A.The children gobbled up all the cookies.
B.She ran fast to catch the bus.
C.He had a peaceful sleep last night.
D.They studied diligently for the exam.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'gobble'?
A.Devour
B.Savor
C.Nibble
D.Chew
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'gobble'?
A.Slowly
B.Graze
C.Nourish
D.Chew
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would someone 'gobble' their food?
A.When they haven't eaten all day
B.At a formal dinner party
C.During a leisurely picnic
D.When they are in a hurry
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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