Definition of "jaw" in English

noun

1. One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.

2. The part of the face below the mouth.

   • His jaw dropped in amazement.

3. (figuratively, especially in the plural) 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.

4. A notch or opening.

5. A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place.

   • the jaw of a railway-car pedestal.

6. One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them.

   • the jaws of a vise; the jaws of a stone-crushing machine.

7. (nautical) The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast.

8. (slang, dated) Impudent, abusive, or worthless talk.

9. (slang) An axle guard.

10. (snooker) The curved part of the cushion marking the entry to the pocket.

verb

1. (transitive) To assail or abuse by scolding.

   • 1933, Ethel Lina White, The Spiral Staircase (Some Must Watch), Chapter 4, http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks03/0300931.txt He built the Summit, so as to have no neighbours. And Lady Warren couldn't abide It. She was always jawing him about it, and they had one awful quarrel, in his study.

2. (intransitive) To scold; to clamor.

3. (intransitive, informal) To talk; to converse.

4. (snooker, transitive, intransitive) (of a ball) To stick in the jaws of a pocket.

verb

1. (Scotland, transitive) To pour or throw out.

2. (Scotland, transitive, of water) To splash; to surge.

noun

1. (Scotland, Northern England) A wave, a billow, a breaker.

2. (Scotland, Northern England) A dash or spurt of water; any large quantity of water or other liquid.