Definition

1. Noun:

   • The sound produced while gargling: The bubbling or gurgling noise made when liquid is agitated in the back of the throat.
   • A medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth: A liquid, often medicinal, intended for cleaning or treating the mouth and throat by gargling.

2. Verb:

   • To rinse one's mouth and throat with a liquid: To hold a liquid in the back of the mouth and agitate it by exhaling air to create bubbles, typically for cleansing or medicinal purposes.
   • To utter with gargling or burbling sounds: To speak or make sounds that resemble the noise of gargling.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • I could hear the gargle from the bathroom as he used his mouthwash.
  • The doctor prescribed a saltwater gargle for my sore throat.

• Verb:

  • You should gargle with warm salt water three times a day.
  • The singer gargled with a special solution before the performance.
  • He tried to speak, but his words came out as a sick gargle.

Advanced Usage

• "To gargle and spit": A common instruction for using a mouthwash or medicinal rinse, meaning to agitate the liquid in the throat and then expel it.
  • After brushing, gargle with the antiseptic for 30 seconds and then spit it out.

Variants and Related Words

• Gargler (n): A person who gargles or a device used for gargling (less common).
• Gargling (n/gerund): The action or process of gargling.
  • Proper gargling can help reduce throat irritation.

Synonyms

• Rinse (v): To clean with a liquid, often by swirling it in the mouth.
• Gurgle (v): To make a hollow bubbling sound, similar to the sound of gargling.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Gargle" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed simply as "to gargle with [something].")

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "gargle" as their core component.)

Noun

1. the sound produced while gargling
2. a medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth

Verb

1. rinse one's mouth and throat with mouthwash
   • gargle with this liquid
2. utter with gargling or burbling sounds