gurgling
gurgling — verb
1. When a baby gurgles, the child makes a soft, contented bubbling sound deep in th
When a baby gurgles, the child makes a soft, contented bubbling sound deep in the throat to show pleasure or happiness.
While feeding her, Amani's baby sister gurgled and reached for the spoon.
gurgle + physical action (reached for)
Baby Sivan gurgled with delight when the puppy licked her tiny toes.
gurgle + with delight — emotion collocation
The twins gurgled happily in their bath as bubbles floated around them.
The newborn gurgled contentedly while wrapped in a warm blanket.
Shirin's youngest gurgled whenever the grandmother entered the room.
gurgle + whenever — habitual action
- gurgle with delight
- gurgle happily
- gurgle contentedly
- gurgle in someone's arms
Grammar Patterns
gurgle + with + emotion
Usage Note
Nearly always describes happy or contented babies under two years old. Less commonly applied to older children or adults, where it would sound either playful or medical.
Common Mistakes
2. When water, especially in a small stream or a pipe, gurgles, it moves quickly an
When water, especially in a small stream or a pipe, gurgles, it moves quickly and makes a low, repeated bubbling sound that people often find pleasant or soothing.
A stream gurgled through the valley between two rows of old maple trees.
gurgle + through [location]
Élise turned on the garden tap, and water gurgled through the hose before spraying out.
The water in the stone fountain gurgled softly as the sun set behind the temple.
gurgle softly — adverb collocation for quiet water
A brook gurgled over the rocks just behind the wooden cabin where Padma was staying.
gurgle + over [surface] — preposition pattern for water
- gurgle along
- gurgle through
- gurgle softly
- gurgle gently
- water gurgles
- stream gurgles
Grammar Patterns
gurgle + direction phrase
Usage Note
Describes the audible movement of water in natural settings (streams, brooks) or household systems (pipes, hoses, fountains). The connotation is generally pleasant; for unpleasant pipe sounds see sense 3.
3. To produce a bubbling or burbling noise similar to the sound of liquid moving th
To produce a bubbling or burbling noise similar to the sound of liquid moving through a narrow or enclosed space, such as a pipe, a stomach, or a machine.
Christopher's stomach gurgled loudly during the quiet exam, and a few students giggled.
part of body (stomach) as subject — bodily sound
The old coffee maker gurgled and hissed before producing a cup of strong coffee.
The plumber heard something gurgling deep inside the kitchen drainpipe.
passive perception: hear something gurgling
Eri heard the radiator gurgle and knew the heating had finally turned on.
inanimate subject: radiator gurgle
- stomach gurgles
- drain gurgles
- gurgle inside
- gurgle loudly
- gurgle and hiss
Grammar Patterns
gurgle + in/from/inside + [container/body part]
Usage Note
Covers gurgling sounds from non-water sources — human digestion, mechanical appliances, drains. The sound often suggests that something is blocked, working, or moving through a confined space. Can be humorous (stomach) or practical (plumbing).