I. ˈgāp sometimes ˈgap intransitive verb
( gaped ; gap·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse gapa; perhaps akin to Latin hiare to gape, yawn — more at yawn
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : to open the mouth wide
b. : to open or part widely
holes gaped in the pavement
2. : to gaze stupidly or in openmouthed surprise or wonder
3. : yawn
• gap·ing·ly ˈgā-piŋ-lē, ˈga-piŋ- adverb
II. noun
Date: 1535
1. : an act of gaping:
a. : yawn
b. : an openmouthed stare
2. : an unfilled space or extent
3.
a. : the median margin-to-margin length of the open mouth
b. : the line along which the mandibles of a bird close
c. : the width of an opening
4. plural but singular in construction
a. : a disease of birds and especially young birds in which gapeworms invade and irritate the trachea
b. : a fit of yawning