jaw

UK: /ˈdʒɔː/ US: /dʒɔ/ ,( jô)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

jaw¹ /dʒɔ/   n. [countable]

1. Anatomy either of two bones or bony structures that form the frame of the mouth and that hold the teeth.
2. Anatomy the part of the face covering these bones.
3. jaws, [plural] anything resembling a pair of jaws in shape or in power to grasp or hold:
   the jaws of a pair of pliers.

v. [no object]

4. Slang Terms to talk;
   chat:

jawed, adj.: firm-jawed. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

jaw¹  ( jô), n. 

1. either of two bones, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the mouth.
2. the part of the face covering these bones, the mouth, or the mouth parts collectively:
   My jaw is swollen.
3. jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws or evoking the concept of grasping and holding:
   the jaws of a gorge; the jaws of death.
4. [Mach.]
   • Mechanical Engineering one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something:
     the jaws of a vise.
   • Mechanical Engineering any of two or more protruding parts for attaching to or meshing with similar parts.
5. Nautical, Naval Terms Often, jaws. Also called throat. a forked piece at the end of a gaff, fitting halfway around the mast.
6. Slang Terms
   • idle talk;
     chatter.
   • impertinent talk.

v.i. 

7. Slang Terms
   • to talk;
     chat;
     gossip.
   • to scold or use abusive language.

v.t. 

8. Slang Terms to scold.

• Old French joue; origin, originally uncertain
• Middle English jawe, jowe 1325–75

jaw′less, adj. 

jaw²  ( jô), [Scot. and North Eng.]
n. 

1. Scottish Terms a swelling wave of water;
   billow.

v.i. 

2. Scottish Terms (of liquid) to surge, splash, or dash forward, as in waves.

v.t. 

3. Scottish Terms to pour or splash (liquid).

• perh. akin to jaup 1505–15

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

jaw / dʒɔː/ noun

1. the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible)
2. the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect
3. a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object
4. impudent talk; cheek
5. idle conversation; chat
6. moralizing talk; a lecture

verb

1. (intransitive) to talk idly; chat; gossip
2. to lecture

Etymology: 14th Century: probably from Old French joue cheek; related to Italian gota cheek