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

Verb

• overcharge
• soak
• sting
• surcharge

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

Finding Megalodon teeth with distinct serration gouges from another Megalodon’s bite is incredibly rare. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

Large dents and gouges can also be difficult to repair. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025

Verb

President Donald Trump campaigned on a vow to reduce egg prices, blaming their rise on his predecessor, but with avian flu continuing to spread — and some producers accused of taking advantage of the crisis to gouge customers — the USDA predicts that prices will rise at least another 20% this year. —Rachel Ringler, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025

In 2020, Attorney General Letitia James of New York accused Hillandale Farms of gouging customers with high prices during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic. —Danielle Kaye, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

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