Definition of "gargle"

gargle¹

/ˈɡɑɹɡəl/

verb
third-person singular simple present gargles, present participle gargling, simple past and past participle gargled
1. (intransitive) to clean one's mouth by holding water or some other liquid in the back of the mouth and blowing air out from the lungs
  Quotations
  She hated the poisoned feeling in her throat, and no matter how often she gargled she felt unclean and disgusting.
  1915, Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark
2. (intransitive) to make a sound like the one made while gargling
3. (transitive) to clean a specific part of the body by gargling (almost always throat or mouth)
  Quotations
  They don't gargle their throats with anything stronger than coffee at this tavern.
  1893, Gilbert Parker, Mrs. Falchion
4. (transitive) to use (a liquid) for purposes of cleaning one's mouth or throat by gargling.
noun
countable and uncountable, plural gargles
1. A liquid used for gargling.
  Quotations
  But the case was pressing, and the nearest medical practitioner was sent for. On examining the throat, he expressed his desire that a physician should be called in, and accordingly a gentleman, duly authorized, made his appearance, and prescribed gargles and diluents secundem artem.
  1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXIV, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], pages 230-231
  Take of borax 1 drm., tinc. of myrrh 1/2 oz., clarified honey 1 oz., rose or distilled water, 4 oz.; mix. To be used as a gargle or mouth wash in sore mouth or affection of the gums.
  1861, Young's Demonstrative Translation of Scientific Secrets
2. (countable) The sound or act of gargling.
3. (slang, countable, uncountable) Lager or other alcoholic drink.

gargle²

/ˈɡɑɹɡəl/

noun
plural gargles
1. Obsolete form of gargoyle.

Definition of "gargle"

gargle1

verb

Quotations

Quotations

noun

Quotations

gargle2

noun

gargle¹

gargle²