verb / noun

gargle

GAR-guhl/ˈɡɑːrɡl/

To rinse the throat with liquid while blowing air through it.

She gargles with warm salt water after brushing her teeth.

Adult tilts head slightly back while gargling water at bathroom sink, nearby glass, mouth modestly open.

Etymology

The French verb means “to gurgle” or “bubble.” English applies that bubbling action specifically to rinsing the throat while forcing air through liquid.

In context

chycho136:43

take your vitamin C if you got a sore throat gargle with saltwater okay check your temperature

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More examples

I gargled the salt water and spat it into the sink.
He gives his throat a quick gargle before the rehearsal.
The pharmacist recommends a gargle for her sore throat.

Forms

gargle · gargles · gargled · gargling

Similar words

rinse: Rinse is broader and does not require bubbling air.
swish: Swish moves liquid around the mouth rather than the throat.