Etymology Map
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Gape

2 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means to stare with the mouth open in wonder; to be wide open

Where does the word "gape" come from? It comes from Old Norse gapa, adopted directly into English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
gapa
Old Norse · medieval
"to open the mouth wide"
the same Norse root gives 'Ginnungagap', the yawning void of Norse creation myth
2
Stage 2 of 2
gape
English · 1200s
"to stare open-mouthed"
came to suggest staring open-mouthed in astonishment, not just opening wide
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Read the full story

Gape’s story begins in Old Norse: gapa meant “to open the mouth wide.” The same Norse root gives 'Ginnungagap', the yawning void of Norse creation myth. It reached English by 1200s as gape. Came to suggest staring open-mouthed in astonishment, not just opening wide. Today, gape means to stare with the mouth open in wonder; to be wide open.