First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1haw
noun \ˈhȯ\
Definition of HAW
1
: a hawthorn berry
2
: hawthorn
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HAW
Middle English hawe, from Old English haga — more at hedge
2haw
noun
Definition of HAW
: nictitating membrane; especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal
Origin of HAW
origin unknown
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Anatomy Terms
3haw
interjection
Definition of HAW
—often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking
First Known Use of HAW
1600
4haw
verb
Definition of HAW
intransitive verb
1
: to utter the sound represented by haw <hemmed and hawed before answering>
2
: equivocate <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands>
Origin of HAW
imitative
First Known Use: 1632
5haw
verb
Definition of HAW
verb imperative
—used as a direction to turn to the left — compare gee
intransitive verb
: to turn to the near or left side
Origin of HAW
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1777
Medical Dictionary
haw
noun \ˈhȯ\
Medical Definition of HAW
: nictitating membrane; especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal
Learn More About HAW
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Hawaii–Aleutian timePrevious Word in the Dictionary: havoc All Words Near: haw
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up haw? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).