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⇱ GLOAT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Definition
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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
One sophomore came up to Grove in the cafeteria, grabbed the athletic director’s shoulders, and gloated. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026 Junior 140-pounder Jackie Martinez, one of her teammates, described Garbacz as unselfish and giving and never one to gloat or fixate on herself. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
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. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Michael Niziolek, cleveland, 24 Oct. 2022 Continue reading … β€˜A FLOP’ - MSNBC, CNN, ABC and more gloat over Sussmann acquittal and cast doubt on Durham probe. β€”πŸ‘ Image
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

Rhymes for gloat

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

β€œGloat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gloat. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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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