burp

English

Etymology

Originally from American English, of imitative origin.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /bɜːp/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /bɝp/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)p

Noun

burp (plural burps)

1. (chiefly US, Philippines, Canada) A belch.

   Lennon let out a deep, proud burp after downing the beer.

   • 2011, David Foster Wallace, The Pale King, page 9:

     Sylvanshine would burp and it would seem like more than a burp; it would taste like he'd almost thrown up a little.

Usage notes

• A belch is often considered to be louder than a burp, but the usage is not precise, and both words can refer to either quiet or loud instances.

Synonyms

• belch

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

burp (third-person singular simple present burps, present participle burping, simple past and past participle burped)

1. (intransitive) To emit a burp.

   Burping is considered impolite in most western cultures.

   My dad used to burp to hide the fact he was farting.

2. (transitive) To utter by burping

   Stevie intends to burp the alphabet at the school talent show.

3. (transitive) To cause someone (such as a baby) to burp.
4. (transitive) To open (a container of fermenting substance) to allow the release of accumulated gas.
   • 2021, Alan Bergo, The Forager Chef's Book of Flora, page 45:

     Ferment the lemons for up to 2 weeks, opening the bag occasionally to burp it and release carbon dioxide, and reseal.

Derived terms

• burp the worm

Translations

Related terms

• botty burp
• burp gun

See also

• fart
• yawn