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Added 9 October 2026

jaw

/d͡ʒɔː/ noun

In Latin: maxilla Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about jaw at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.
The part of the face below the mouth.
His jaw dropped in amazement.
Anything resembling the jaw (sense 1) of an animal in form or action; the mouth or way of entrance.
the jaws of a pass; the jaws of darkness; the jaws of death.

verb

To assail or abuse by scolding.
To scold; to clamor.
To talk; to converse.

verb

To pour or throw out.
To splash; to surge.

noun

A wave, a billow, a breaker.
A dash or spurt of water; any large quantity of water or other liquid.

Origin

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. ** It has been objected that the rhyming of jowe (“jaw”) with clowe (“claw”) in Middle English demonstrates that it did not have the vowel /uː/. This would be a concern if /uː/ were the vowel to expect from a borrowing of the Old French word, which it is not. Compare English paw < Middle English pawe/powe < Anglo-Norman powe < Old French poe. * From Middle English *chowe, from Old English *ċēowe.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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