Jaw
dʒɔː
Definitions
3 meaningsEither of the two bony structures forming the framework of the mouth and containing the teeth.
dʒɔː
The bony framework of the mouth.
The boxer's jaw was broken during the fight.
💡 Simply: Your jaw is the part of your face that holds your bottom teeth. You use it to chew and talk! Like when you chomp on a yummy sandwich!
👶 For kids: The part of your face that you use to open your mouth and chew food.
More Examples
The dentist took an X-ray of his jaw.
The lion's powerful jaws easily tore through the meat.
How It's Used
"The dentist examined the patient's jaw."
"Sharks have powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth."
A part of a tool, machine, or other structure that grips, closes, or holds something.
dʒɔː
The part of a tool or machine that grips or holds something.
The jaws of the wrench tightened around the bolt.
💡 Simply: Think of the part of pliers or a vise that squeezes and holds things. That's its jaw!
👶 For kids: The grabbing part of something like pliers or a clamp.
More Examples
The jaws of the crusher pulverized the rocks.
The robotic arm's jaws carefully picked up the object.
How It's Used
"The jaws of the vise held the metal piece securely."
(Informal) to talk or gossip, especially at length and in a complaining or critical way.
dʒɔː
To talk at length in a complaining way.
The old men were sitting on the porch, jawing about the neighbors.
💡 Simply: To complain or gossip for a long time. Like when you and your friends are sharing secrets and complaints.
👶 For kids: To talk a lot, maybe complaining a little.
More Examples
Stop jawing and get to work!
He spent the entire meeting jawing with his colleague.
How It's Used
"They were just jawing about the bad service at the restaurant."
Idioms & expressions
down someone's throat
To force someone to accept or do something against their will.
"The boss tried to force his ideas down the employees' throats."
jaw-dropping
Causing great surprise or admiration; astonishing.
"The view from the mountaintop was jaw-dropping."
have a jaw
To talk; to chat.
"Let's go have a jaw over coffee."
From Old French *joue* 'cheek', from Latin *maxilla* 'jawbone'.
The word 'jaw' has existed in English since the 13th century, initially referring to the cheek.
Memory tip
Think of a dog's powerful jaws – it's the part that bites!