jowl

¹

[joul, johl]

noun

1. a jaw, especially the lower jaw.

2. the cheek.

jowl

²

Also jole

[joul, johl]

noun

1. a fold of flesh hanging from the jaw, as of a very fat person.

2. the meat of the cheek of a hog.

3. the dewlap of cattle.

4. the wattle of fowls.

jowl

¹

/ dʒaʊl /

noun

1. the jaw, esp the lower one

2. (often plural) a cheek, esp a prominent one

3. See cheek

jowl

²

/ dʒaʊl /

noun

1. fatty flesh hanging from the lower jaw

2. a similar fleshy part in animals, such as the wattle of a fowl or the dewlap of a bull

Other Word Forms

• jowled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jowl¹

before 1000; Middle English chawl, chavell, Old English ceafl jaw; cognate with Dutch kevel, German Kiefer, Old Norse kjaptr

Origin of jowl²

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English cholle, Old English ceole “throat”; cognate with German Kehle “throat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of jowl¹

Old English ceafl jaw; related to Middle High German kivel, Old Norse kjaptr

Origin of jowl²

Old English ceole throat; compare Old High German kela

Idioms and Phrases

see cheek by jowl.

Example Sentences

Juxtapositions between high and low, between the virtuous and the criminal, and these things existed cheek by jowl.

From BBC

Still, it’s nice to have a sweeping view of the first film’s prosthetic makeup: the Cowardly Lion’s upturned nostrils, the Scarecrow’s baggy jowls, the real horses painted purple and red with Jell-O.

From Los Angeles Times

These affectionate goofballs, with their perfect wrinkly cheeks and jowls, will bring a tremendous amount of love into your life.

From Los Angeles Times

Staff and residents sat cheek by jowl chatting to each other.

From BBC

When the centerpiece solo hits, Givens is like a golden retriever with his head out of the car window, jowls flapping in the wind.

From Los Angeles Times