Gar"gle (?), n. (Arch.) See Gargoyle.

Gar"gle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Garggled (?), p. pr. & vb. n. Gargling (&?;).] [F. gargouiller to dabble, paddle, gargle. Cf. Gargoyle, Gurgle.] 1. 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.

2. To warble; to sing as if gargling [Obs.] Waller.

Gar"gle, n. A liquid, as water or some medicated preparation, used to cleanse the mouth and throat, especially for a medical effect.

• 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
       
• 1915, Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark
       
• :She hated the poisoned feeling in her throat, and no matter how often she gargled she felt unclean and disgusting.
  
• to make a sound like the one made while gargling
       
• Listen to: a gargling sound
  
• to clean a specific part of the body by gargling (almost always throat or mouth)
       
• 1893, Gilbert Parker, Mrs. Falchion
       
• :They don't gargle their throats with anything stronger than coffee at this tavern.
  
• a liquid used for gargling
       
• 1861, Young's Demonstrative Translation of Scientific Secrets
       
• :Take of borax 1 drm., tinc. of myrrh 1/2 oz., clarified honey 1 oz., rose or distilled water, 4 oz.; mix. To be used as a gargle or mouth wash in sore mouth or affection of the gums.