yawn
verb (used without object)
to open the mouth somewhat involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation and sighing or heavy exhalation, as from drowsiness or boredom.
had yawned
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past perfectof yawn.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Undercover Boss” premiered during the Great Recession, when the wage gap had yawned into a canyon.
From Salon ● Feb. 23, 2026
“If I had yawned, I would have missed it,” Wills complained to Simeon Booker in a 1976 “Jet” magazine story.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 22, 2017
After a deceptively sluggish start, Baltimore had yawned its way to the American League's Eastern Division championship.
From Time Magazine Archive
Mr. Chamberlain, who had yawned continually through the Morrison speech, was on his feet at once.
From Time Magazine Archive
As a child, Gabe had yawned and fidgeted when his class was taken, as each school class was, to visit the village museum and learn the history.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
