gouge

1 of 2

noun

ˈgau̇j 

1

: a chisel with a concavo-convex cross section

2

a

: the act of gouging

b

: a groove or cavity scooped out

3

: an excessive or improper charge for something : extortion

gouge

2 of 2

verb

gouged; gouging

transitive verb

1

: to scoop out with or as if with a gouge (see gouge entry 1 sense 1)

2

a

: to force out (an eye) with the thumb

b

: to thrust the thumb into the eye of

3

: to make (someone) pay too much for something : overcharge

gouger noun

Synonyms of gouge

Verb

• sting
• overcharge
• cheat
• surcharge
• defraud
• soak

Examples of gouge in a Sentence

Noun

The accident left a big gouge in the side of the car.

Verb

The lamp fell and gouged the table.

A bomb had gouged a large crater in the street.

They feel that they are being gouged by the oil companies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While deep gouges usually need replacement or expert restoration, shallow surface scratches often respond surprisingly well to careful buffing. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 May 2026

The bomb-and-gouge method wasn’t just predicted, it was guaranteed — even by Rory McIlroy himself. —Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Verb

The vast majority of those funds have come from a political action committee backed by Airbnb, which Feldstein Soto sued last year for violating price-gouging laws in the wake of the wildfires. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026

The bullets shattered nine panes of glass, their wooden framework gouged by bullet fragments. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English gowge, from Middle French gouge, from Late Latin gulbia

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gouge

• gouge out

Kids Definition

gouge

1 of 2 noun

ˈgau̇j 

1

: a chisel with a curved blade for scooping or cutting holes

2

: a hole or groove made with or as if with a gouge

gouge

2 of 2 verb

gouged; gouging

1

: to cut holes or grooves in with or as if with a gouge

2

: to force out (an eye) with the thumb

3

: overcharge sense 1

gouger noun

Medical Definition

gouge

noun

ˈgau̇j 

: a chisel with a concavo-convex cross section for removing portions of bone in surgery