gloat

1 of 2

verb

gloated; gloating; gloats

intransitive verb

1
: to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight
gloat over an enemy's misfortune
2
obsolete : to look or glance admiringly or amorously
gloater noun
gloatingly adverb

gloat

2 of 2

noun

: the act or feeling of one who gloats

Examples of gloat in a Sentence

Verb After such a tough campaign, they're gloating over their victory in the election.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Over the weekend, a gloating 50 Cent took to Instagram to re-caption a still-popular meme that may have gone over fans’ heads. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024 The shocking shooting brought gloating from some corners of social media, where the killing was portrayed as the just slaying of a greedy corporate executive. The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
Not bad for an offense that just a few weeks ago was thought to be searching for an identity, but Taylor didn’t gloat. Michael Niziolek, cleveland, 24 Oct. 2022 Continue reading … ‘A FLOP’ - MSNBC, CNN, ABC and more gloat over Sussmann acquittal and cast doubt on Durham probe. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 2 June 2022 See all Example Sentences for gloat 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

akin to Middle English glouten to scowl and perhaps to Old Norse glotta to grin scornfully

First Known Use

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gloat was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near gloat

Cite this Entry

“Gloat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gloat. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gloat

verb
ˈglōt
: to gaze at or think about something with great satisfaction or joy
gloating over their enemy's loss
gloater noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gloat

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