“Gorge” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, usually carved by a river. As a verb, it means to eat a large amount of food very quickly—almost to the point of being overly full.
In everyday life, people might say, “We hiked through the Columbia River Gorge,” when talking about a scenic canyon. Or they’ll joke, “I totally gorged on pizza last night,” after eating way too much at dinner. The word is short, punchy, and instantly paints a picture—either of dramatic cliffs or of someone stuffing their face.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Noun: “The gorge dropped hundreds of feet to the river below.”
• Verb: “Don’t gorge on snacks before lunch—you’ll ruin your appetite.”
Context / Common Use
“Gorge” pops up in travel blogs, food reviews, and casual conversation. Hikers love it for dramatic scenery (“Kings Canyon is a must-see gorge”), while friends use the verb to admit overeating (“I gorged on chips during the movie”).
Is gorge only about food?
No. When used as a noun, it’s about a steep valley. Only as a verb does it relate to eating a lot.
How is gorge different from “canyon”?
They’re very similar, but “gorge” often implies a narrower, more rugged cut in the land—think of a dramatic slot between cliffs rather than a wide open canyon.
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