gobble

Definition

To eat hastily or greedily; to scoff or scarf (often used with up)

Etymology

From Middle English gobben (“to drink or swallow greedily”), of uncertain origin + -le (frequentative suffix). Middle English gobben is perhaps an alteration of Middle English globben (“to gulp down”), related to English gulpen (“to gulp”). However, compare also French gober.

Example Sentences

• "He gobbled four hot dogs in three minutes."
• "“The farm's had a lot of bad luck, you see. Dad thinks there is a curse on the place.” “Most like. Most like,” said Catweazle, gobbling the banana."