jaw

¹

[jaw]

noun

1. either of two bones, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the mouth.

2. the part of the face covering these bones, the mouth, or the mouth parts collectively.

   My jaw is swollen.

3. jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws or evoking the concept of grasping and holding.

   the jaws of a gorge; the jaws of death.

4. Machinery.

   1. one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something.

      the jaws of a vise.

   2. any of two or more protruding parts for attaching to or meshing with similar parts.

5. Also called throat. Nautical.,  Often jaws a forked piece at the end of a gaff, fitting halfway around the mast.

6. Slang.

   1. idle talk; chatter.

   2. impertinent talk.

verb (used without object)

1. Slang.

   1. to talk; chat; gossip.

   2. to scold or use abusive language.

verb (used with object)

1. Slang.,  to scold.

jaw

²

[jaw]

noun

1. a swelling wave of water; billow.

verb (used without object)

1. (of liquid) to surge, splash, or dash forward, as in waves.

verb (used with object)

1. to pour or splash (liquid).

jaw

/ dʒɔː /

noun

1. the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible)

2. the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect

3. a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object

4. slang

   1. impudent talk; cheek

   2. idle conversation; chat

   3. moralizing talk; a lecture

verb

1. slang,  (intr)

   1. to talk idly; chat; gossip

   2. to lecture

jaw

1. Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrate animals form the framework of the mouth, hold the teeth, and are used for biting and chewing food. The lower, movable part of the jaw is the mandible. The upper, fixed part is the maxilla.

2. Any of various structures of invertebrate animals, such as the pincers of spiders or mites, that function similarly to the jaws of vertebrates.

Other Word Forms

• jawless adjective
• jawlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaw¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English jou(e), goue, jovwe, from Old French jo(u)e, jewe; further origin uncertain

Origin of jaw²

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps akin to jaup

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaw¹

C14: probably from Old French joue cheek; related to Italian gota cheek

Example Sentences

Tole’s civil lawsuit, filed Monday in Marion County Superior Court, states that he suffered “significant injuries to his head, jaw and neck.”

From Los Angeles Times

This raunchy disco track had jaws dropping across the globe upon its release, and for good reason.

From Los Angeles Times

The jury heard Brendon suffered "catastrophic injuries" including a fractured skull, a broken neck, a broken jaw and broken legs in Yeovil District Hospital's special care baby unit in Somerset on 5 March 2024.

From BBC

With his Buzz Lightyear-like square jaw and clean cut appearance, he comes across as the archetypical heroic astronaut.

From BBC

"There are repercussions when it comes to an extraction-based therapy," she said, explaining remaining teeth move into the space, or there could be further tooth decay, which can cause other jaw problems.

From BBC

Related Words

• bone 
• mouth