slack-jawed

American

[slak-jawd] / ˈslækˈdʒɔd /

adjective

having the mouth open, especially as an indication of astonishment, bewilderment, etc.

Etymology

Origin of slack-jawed

slack jaw + -ed ³

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.

He confidently illustrates what he’s deduced by drawing a grid on a whiteboard and yammering as his suspects and colleagues watch, slack-jawed.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2025

The kid was awestruck, delighted and slack-jawed as he held up the keepsake for photos.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2025

If all you’re offering your kid is a slack-jawed look bathed in phone glow, what are they learning about how to interact with humans?

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2024

Walter then offered it to a slack-jawed Sheryl Lee Ralph who declined while shaking her head.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2024

It was a perfect idea, and I couldn’t understand why Audrey was staring at me slack-jawed and bewildered.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023