To gush means to flow out rapidly and in large amounts. When you turn on a fire hydrant, water doesn't just drip or trickle out: it gushes in a powerful, rushing stream. Water might gush through a broken pipe in the basement.

The word also describes enthusiastic, unrestrained talk. When someone gushes about their favorite book, they can't stop talking about how wonderful it is, praising every detail with obvious excitement. A fan might gush over meeting their favorite athlete, or a proud parent might gush about their child's accomplishments. This kind of gushing flows out like water: rapidly, freely, and hard to stop.

You can hear the word's meaning in its sound. “Gush” sounds like what it describes: a sudden whoosh of liquid or words pouring out. When something gushes, it comes out with force and volume, whether it's water from a hydrant or praise from an excited person.