yawn

American  

[yawn] / yɔn /

verb (used without object)

1. to open the mouth somewhat involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation and sighing or heavy exhalation, as from drowsiness or boredom.

   Synonyms:

   gape

2. to open wide like a mouth.

   Synonyms:

   gape

3. to extend or stretch wide, as an open and deep space.

   Synonyms:

   gape

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verb (used with object)

1. to say with a yawn.

2. Archaic. to open wide, or lay open, as if by yawning.

noun

1. an act or instance of yawning.

2. an opening; open space; chasm.

3. Informal. Also something so boring as to make one yawn.

   Critics say the new fashions are one big yawn.

yawn British  

/ jɔːn /

verb

1. (intr) to open the mouth wide and take in air deeply, often as in involuntary reaction to tiredness, sleepiness, or boredom

2. (tr) to express or utter while yawning

3. (intr) to be open wide as if threatening to engulf (someone or something)

   the mine shaft yawned below

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noun

1. the act or an instance of yawning

Other Word Forms

• yawner noun
• yawning adjective
• yawningly adverb

Etymology

Origin of yawn

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb yanen, yonen, alteration of yenen, Old English ge(o)nian; akin to Old English gānian, ginan, Old Norse gīna, German gähnen, Latin hiāre “to be wide open, gape,” Greek chaínein “to gape”; hiatus, dehisce ( def. ), chasm

Example Sentences

Several men on the jury looked away, one yawning.

From Los Angeles Times

Hart keeps up a steady stream of anecdotes and witty repartee, but increasingly the mask slips; underneath it all is the yawning realization that he is utterly alone.

From Barron's

If your mouth opens wide during any of the supposedly terrifying interludes, it’s more likely to form a yawn than a cry.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also faces the challenge of closing a yawning budget deficit for the coming fiscal year.

From The Wall Street Journal

In fact, right then a nap was insisting itself upon Duane, who yawned in complete agreement.

From Literature