gloat

1 of 2

verb

ˈglōt 

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

Verb

While many were quick to gloat that Grewal was defeated by enemies lobbying against him, turnover is common in the high-pressure role. —Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024

By March 2017, U.S. officials were concluding internally—and some of the administration’s supporters began to gloat—that Trump’s tougher approach was succeeding. —Philip Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 22 Mar. 2017

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. —Michael Niziolek, cleveland, 24 Oct. 2022

Continue reading … ‘A FLOP’ - MSNBC, CNN, ABC and more gloat over Sussmann acquittal and cast doubt on Durham probe. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 2 June 2022

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

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