I. ˈgärgəl, ˈgȧg- verb
( gargled ; gargled ; gargling -g(ə)liŋ ; gargles )
Etymology: modification of Middle French gargouiller to gurgle, bubble, of imitative origin
transitive verb
1.
a. : to hold (a liquid) in the mouth or throat and keep in motion by a stream of air from the lungs
gargle salt water
b. : to cleanse or disinfect (the inside of the mouth) in this manner
gargle a sore throat
2. : to utter with a gargling sound
gargles his words
intransitive verb
1. : to use a gargle
gargle every morning
2. : to utter as if gargling
soprano with a tendency to gargle on the high notes
3. : to make a sound that resembles a gargle
a camel … gargleing as it were with rage — Nathan Davis
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : a liquid (as a mouthwash) intended for use in the mouth and throat
b. : an act of gargling
a gargle with a small amount of baking soda will help to clear the throat — Morris Fishbein
2. : a sound that resembles that of a liquid being gargled
heard his breath go out in a gargle — Marcia Davenport