gag

1
[ gag ]
/ gæg /

verb (used with object), gagged, gag·ging.

verb (used without object), gagged, gag·ging.

to retch or choke.

noun

Origin of gag

1
1400–50; late Middle English gaggen to suffocate; perhaps imitative of the sound made in choking

Definition for gag (2 of 3)

gag 2
[ gag ]
/ gæg /
Informal.

noun

a joke, especially one introduced into a script or an actor's part.
any contrived piece of wordplay or horseplay.

verb (used without object), gagged, gag·ging.

to tell jokes or make amusing remarks.
to introduce gags in acting.
to play on another's credulity, as by telling false stories.

verb (used with object), gagged, gag·ging.

to introduce usually comic interpolations into (a script, an actor's part, or the like) (usually followed by up).

Origin of gag

2
1770–80; perhaps special use of gag1; compare Old Norse gagg yelp

Definition for gag (3 of 3)

gag 3
[ gag ]
/ gæg /

noun, plural (especially collectively) gag, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) gags.

a serranid game fish, Mycteroperca microlepsis, found along the southeastern coast of the U.S.
any of several related fishes.

Origin of gag

3
An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; origin uncertain

Example sentences from the Web for gag

British Dictionary definitions for gag (1 of 2)

gag 1
/ (ɡæɡ) /

verb gags, gagging or gagged

noun

Word Origin for gag

C15 gaggen; perhaps imitative of a gasping sound

British Dictionary definitions for gag (2 of 2)

gag 2
/ (ɡæɡ) informal /

noun

a joke or humorous story, esp one told by a professional comedian
a hoax, practical joke, etc he did it for a gag

verb gags, gagging or gagged

(intr) to tell jokes or funny stories, as comedians in nightclubs, etc
(often foll by up) theatre
  1. to interpolate lines or business not in the actor's stage part, usually comic and improvised
  2. to perform a stage jest, either spoken or based on movement

Word Origin for gag

C19: perhaps special use of gag 1

Medical definitions for gag

gag
[ găg ]

v.

To choke, retch, or undergo a regurgitative spasm.
To prevent from talking.

n.

An instrument adjusted between the teeth to keep the mouth from closing during operations in the mouth or throat.