To gulp means to swallow something quickly and greedily, often in large amounts. When you're really thirsty after playing outside, you might gulp down a glass of water so fast it's gone in seconds. People gulp when they're in a hurry, when they're extremely hungry or thirsty, or when they're nervous and their throat feels tight.

You can hear a gulp: it's that distinct swallowing sound someone makes when they take a big mouthful of liquid all at once. Sometimes people gulp air when they're surprised or scared, taking in a sudden breath.

The word also describes that nervous swallowing you do when you're anxious. Before giving a presentation to your class, you might gulp as you stand up, trying to steady your nerves. When someone in a story gulps before opening a mysterious door, we can feel their fear.

As a noun, a gulp is the amount you swallow at once. You might take a gulp of milk or finish your juice in three gulps. The word captures both the action and the feeling: quick, urgent, and sometimes a little desperate.