# jaw

/ˈdʒɔ/ (US) · /dʒˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jaw
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. anatomy

noun · CEFR A2

the lower part of your face that moves so you can open your mouth.

For teachers: either of the two bony structures that form the framework of the mouth and hold the teeth.

- He had a strong, square jaw and a friendly smile.
- The surgeon explained that the fracture in the lower jaw would require several weeks of immobilization to heal correctly.

### 2. mechanical parts

noun · CEFR B2

the parts of a tool, like a wrench or a trap, that close together to hold something.

For teachers: one of a pair of opposing parts in a tool or machine that move toward each other to grasp or crush an object.

- The jaws of the vice held the piece of wood firmly in place.
- The hydraulic rescue tool, often called the 'jaws of life', is designed to pry apart crumpled vehicles to free trapped passengers.

### 3. a dangerous entrance

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the entrance to a dangerous place, like a narrow valley or a deep hole.

For teachers: the mouth or entrance of a narrow or dangerous place, often used figuratively in the plural.

- The small boat was pulled into the jaws of the narrow canyon.
- The soldiers felt as though they were marching directly into the jaws of death as they approached the enemy fortifications.

### 4. to talk

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to talk for a long time, often about things that are not important.

For teachers: to engage in lengthy, informal conversation or chatter.

- We spent the whole afternoon jawing about our old school days.
- The two neighbours stood by the fence for nearly an hour, jawing about the local council's latest decision on parking permits.

## Examples

- He dropped his jaw in surprise when he heard the news.
- The dentist asked the patient to relax her jaw so he could examine the back teeth.
- The fossilized remains included a remarkably well-preserved lower jaw, allowing researchers to determine the creature's diet based on the wear patterns of its molars.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.