Gargle vs. Gurgle — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Gargle involves swishing liquid in the throat to cleanse or medicate, while gurgle describes the sound of liquid flowing irregularly.
Difference Between Gargle and Gurgle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gargling is a deliberate action typically performed with water or a medicinal solution to clean the throat or relieve symptoms of a sore throat. On the other hand, gurgling is not an action but a sound, often produced by the movement of liquid in a confined space, such as water flowing through a drain.
People gargle by holding a liquid in the back of their throat and blowing air from the lungs to create bubbles, which is believed to remove pathogens or soothe the throat. Whereas, gurgling is a sound that can occur naturally without human intervention, often heard in plumbing or in the stomach.
The purpose of gargling is often health-related, used to treat colds or oral hygiene issues. In contrast, gurgling is typically an incidental noise that does not serve a specific function beyond indicating the movement of liquid.
Medical professionals sometimes recommend gargling with salt water or mouthwash to alleviate throat pain or to disinfect the mouth. Conversely, gurgling sounds, especially when related to the body, might indicate digestive activity or sometimes issues needing medical attention.
In terms of usage, to gargle is a verb that implies intention and action, specifically referring to a method of cleansing the throat. On the other hand, gurgle is also a verb, but it primarily describes the sound produced by liquids, reflecting a passive occurrence.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To wash one's mouth and throat with fluid
To make a hollow bubbling sound like that of water flowing from a bottle
Purpose
Cleansing or medicinal
Indicative of liquid movement
Action vs. Sound
Involves active participation
Describes a sound or noise
Common Contexts
Health, hygiene
Liquids, digestion, plumbing
Associated Sounds
Deliberate bubbling sound
Irregular, often spontaneous bubbling
Compare with Definitions
Gargle
To cleanse the mouth by expelling air from the lungs through a liquid held at the back of the throat.
She decided to gargle with warm salt water to relieve her throat pain.
Gurgle
To emit a soft, bubbling sound indicative of fluid motion.
The brook gurgled gently under the bridge.
Gargle
Often recommended to alleviate symptoms of a cold or sore throat.
The doctor advised her to gargle regularly to reduce throat irritation.
Gurgle
Can indicate a need for plumbing maintenance when persistent.
The persistent gurgle in the pipes suggested a visit from the plumber was overdue.
Gargle
To use a liquid for medicinal purposes in the throat.
He gargles with an antiseptic mouthwash every morning.
Gurgle
Often heard in domestic settings like sinks and drains.
The sink began to gurgle as the blockage cleared.
Gargle
A common method for maintaining oral hygiene.
Gargling with baking soda water can neutralize acids in the mouth.
Gurgle
The sound of liquid moving irregularly, often through a small opening.
The water bottle made a gurgle as he squeezed it too hard.
Gargle
To rinse the throat area with specific movements to ensure coverage.
To effectively remove bacteria, gargle thoroughly before spitting out the liquid.
Gurgle
Describes noises in the stomach due to digestion or hunger.
Her stomach gurgled loudly during the meeting.
Gargle
To force exhaled air through a liquid held in the back of the mouth, with the head tilted back, in order to cleanse or medicate the mouth or throat.
Gurgle
Gurgle.com is a British pregnancy and parenting website owned by high-street parenting store Mothercare. Founded by Tom Wright, Gurgle launched as a joint venture between Mothercare and Fleming Media, a family backed investment company, in October 2007.
Gargle
To produce the sound of gargling when speaking or singing.
Gurgle
To flow in a broken irregular current with a bubbling sound
Water gurgling from a bottle.
Gargle
To rinse or medicate (the mouth or throat) by gargling.
Gurgle
To make a sound similar to this
The baby gurgled with pleasure.
Gargle
To circulate or apply (a medicine or solution) by gargling.
Gurgle
To express or pronounce with a broken, irregular, bubbling sound.
Gargle
To utter with a gargling sound.
Gurgle
To flow with a bubbling sound.
The bath water gurgled down the drain.
Gargle
A medicated solution for gargling.
Gurgle
To make such a sound.
The baby gurgled with delight.
Gargle
A gargling sound.
Gurgle
A gurgling sound.
Gargle
(intransitive) to clean one's mouth by holding water or some other liquid in the back of the mouth and blowing air out from the lungs
Gurgle
To run or flow in a broken, irregular, noisy current, as water from a bottle, or a small stream among pebbles or stones.
Pure gurgling rills the lonely desert trace,And waste their music on the savage race.
Gargle
(intransitive) to make a sound like the one made while gargling
Gurgle
The act of gurgling; a broken, bubbling noise.
Gargle
(transitive) to clean a specific part of the body by gargling (almost always throat or mouth)
Gurgle
The bubbling sound of water flowing from a bottle with a narrow neck
Gargle
(transitive) to use (a liquid) for purposes of cleaning one's mouth or throat by gargling.
Every morning he gargled a little cheap Scotch.
Gurgle
Flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise;
Babbling brooks
Gargle
A liquid used for gargling.
Gurgle
Make sounds similar to gurgling water;
The baby gurgled with satisfaction when the mother tickled it
Gargle
(countable) The sound or act of gargling.
Gurgle
Drink from a flask with a gurgling sound
Gargle
Lager or other alcoholic drink.
Gurgle
Utter with a gurgling sound;
'Help,' the stabbing victim gurgeld
Gargle
See Gargoyle.
Gargle
A liquid, as water or some medicated preparation, used to cleanse the mouth and throat, especially for a medical effect.
Gargle
To wash or rinse, as the mouth or throat, particular the latter, agitating the liquid (water or a medicinal preparation) by an expulsion of air from the lungs.
Gargle
To warble; to sing as if gargling
Gargle
A medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth
Gargle
The sound produced while gargling
Gargle
Utter with gargling or burbling sounds
Gargle
Rinse one's mouth and throat with mouthwash;
Gargle with this liquid
Common Curiosities
Is gargling effective in oral hygiene?
Yes, gargling can be very effective in maintaining oral hygiene and removing bacteria and debris.
What causes the gurgling sound in plumbing?
Gurgling sounds in plumbing are usually caused by air trapped in the pipes or drainage systems.
How often should one gargle for health benefits?
It varies, but for oral health, gargling at least once a day with an appropriate mouthwash is commonly recommended.
What liquids are best for gargling?
Saltwater, mouthwash, and sometimes medicinal solutions are recommended for gargling.
What is the main purpose of gargling?
The main purpose is to cleanse and disinfect the throat or alleviate symptoms of throat discomfort.
Can gurgling noises be a sign of a medical condition?
Yes, gurgling noises, especially in the stomach or chest, can indicate digestive problems or other medical conditions.
Does the type of mouthwash used for gargling matter?
Yes, different mouthwashes target various issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or throat health.
Can gurgling sounds be prevented?
In plumbing, proper ventilation and routine maintenance can reduce gurgling sounds.
Why do newborns often gurgle?
Newborns gurgle due to immature muscles in the throat and stomach, making it common during or after feeding.
What is the difference between gargling and swishing?
Gargling involves the throat and is health-focused, while swishing is primarily for cleansing the mouth.
How can I teach a child to gargle?
Start with small amounts of water and demonstrate the technique, ensuring they do not swallow the liquid.
Is it safe to gargle with hot water?
Warm water is safe, but excessively hot water should be avoided to prevent burns.
Can gurgling sounds occur anywhere else besides plumbing?
Yes, they can occur in various environments where liquid moves through constricted spaces.
Can everyone gargle?
Most people can gargle, but it may be difficult for young children or those with certain medical conditions.
Are there any risks associated with gargling?
Few risks are involved, though using inappropriate substances or excessive gargling can be harmful.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
