jaw
//d͡ʒɔː//
Forms
- Plural
- jaws
- present (v1)
- jaw
- past (v2)
- jawed
- past participle (v3)
- jawed
- present participle
- jawing
- 3rd person singular
- jaws
Definitions
1.One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.
2.The part of the face below the mouth.
- His jaw dropped in amazement.
3.A notch or opening.
4.Anything resembling the jaw (sense 1) of an animal in form or action; the mouth or way of entrance.
1.To assail or abuse by scolding.
2.To scold; to clamor.
3.To talk; to converse.(informal)
- Today the beastly boat is level at last and the sun’s out and we have all been jawing about what to do.
4.(of a ball) To stick in the jaws of a pocket.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4513
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English jawe/jowe (“jaw; sides of the lower face”, 14th century), the further origin of which is disputed. Either:
* From Anglo-Norman jowe, from Old French joe (“cheek; jaw”), from Vulgar Latin *ga(v)ota (“cheek”), of uncertain further origin.