First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1jaw
noun \ˈjȯ\
: either one of the two bones of the face where teeth grow
: the lower part of a person's face
jaws : two parts of a machine or tool that open and close to hold or crush something
Full Definition of JAW
1
a : either of two complex cartilaginous or bony structures in most vertebrates that border the mouth, support the soft parts enclosing it, usually bear teeth on their oral margin, and are an upper that is more or less firmly fused with the skull and a lower that is hinged, movable, and articulated with the temporal bone of either side — compare mandible, maxilla b : the parts constituting the walls of the mouth and serving to open and close it —usually used in plural c : any of various organs of invertebrates that perform the function of the vertebrate jaws
2
: something resembling the jaw of an animal: as a : one of the sides of a narrow pass or channel b : either of two or more opposable parts that open and close for holding or crushing something between them
3
a : a space lying between or as if between open jaws <escaped from out of the jaws of the whale> b : a position or situation in which one is threatened <rode into the jaws of danger>
4
: a friendly chat
See jaw defined for English-language learners
See jaw defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of JAW
Middle English
Related to JAW
- Synonyms
- backchat, cackle, causerie, chatter, chin music, chin-wag [slang], chitchat, confab, confabulation, gab, gabfest, gossip, jangle, chat, natter [chiefly British], palaver, patter, rap, schmooze, small talk, table talk, talk, tête-à-tête
2jaw
verb
: to talk in an angry way or for a very long time
Full Definition of JAW
intransitive verb
: to talk especially abusively, indignantly, or long-windedly <jawing with the referee>
transitive verb
: to talk to in a scolding or boring manner
See jaw defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of JAW
1748
JAW[1] Defined for Kids
jaw
noun \ˈjȯ\
Definition of JAW for Kids
1
: either of an upper or lower bony structure that supports the soft parts of the mouth and usually bears teeth on its edge and of which the lower part is movable
2
: a part of an invertebrate animal (as an insect) that resembles or does the work of a human jaw
3
: one of a pair of moving parts that open and close for holding or crushing something <Tighten the jaws of the vise.>
Medical Dictionary
jaw
noun \ˈjȯ\
Medical Definition of JAW
1
: either of two complex cartilaginous or bony structures in most vertebrates that border the mouth, support the soft parts enclosing it, and usually bear teeth on their oral margin: a : an upper structure more or less firmly fused with the skull—called also upper jaw, maxilla b : a lower structure that consists of a single bone or of completely fused bones and that is hinged, movable, and articulated by a pair of condyles with the temporal bone of either side—called also inferior maxillary bone, lower jaw, mandible
2
: the parts constituting the walls of the mouth and serving to open and close it—usually used in plural
3
: any of various organs of invertebrates that perform the function of the vertebrate jaws
Learn More About JAW
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up jaw? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).