A burp is a small burst of gas that comes up from your stomach and out through your mouth, usually making a characteristic sound. It happens when you've swallowed air while eating or drinking, or when carbonated beverages release gas in your stomach. Your body needs to let that air out, and a burp is how it does it.

Everyone burps sometimes. Babies burp after feeding, which is why parents gently pat their backs to help release trapped air. If you drink soda quickly or gulp down your lunch, you'll probably burp more because you're taking in extra air along with your food.

In many cultures, burping at the dinner table is considered rude, so people learn to burp quietly or excuse themselves. But in some other cultures, a burp after a meal is actually seen as a compliment to the cook, showing you enjoyed the food. The social rules around burping vary widely around the world.

The word can also be used as a verb: you burp when you release this gas. Some people can burp on command by swallowing air and releasing it quickly, though this particular talent rarely proves useful. When you need to burp but can't, that uncomfortable feeling is one reason people sometimes pat a baby's back after feeding.