jaw
17 synonyms for jaw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Either of the two bones that frame the mouth and hold the teeth.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Either of the two bones that frame the mouth and hold the teeth.
“The dentist said my jaw was slightly sore from grinding my teeth.”
How to use jaw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
jaw of the mouth
jut of the jaw
jaw dropped
Etymology
Origin disputed — likely from Anglo-Norman "jowe" (cheek), though some trace it to Old English roots related to "chaw" and "chew."
Full origin of jaw →Frequently asked questions
What does “jaw” mean?
The word “jaw” means either of the two bones that frame the mouth and hold the teeth. In plain terms, the bone structure of the mouth and chin area, or (informally) talking a lot.
How do you pronounce “jaw”?
“Jaw” is pronounced jaw (/d͡ʒɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “jaw” in a sentence?
Here is “jaw” used in a sentence: “The boxer took a hard punch to the jaw.”
What part of speech is “jaw”?
Depending on how it is used, “jaw” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jaw” come from?
The word “jaw” comes from Old English. Origin disputed — likely from Anglo-Norman "jowe" (cheek), though some trace it to Old English roots related to "chaw" and "chew.".
Is “jaw” a common word?
“Jaw” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “jaw” have?
“Jaw” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: either of the two bones that frame the mouth and hold the teeth.
What are the upper and lower jaws called?
In anatomy, the upper jaw is the maxilla and the lower jaw is the mandible. The mandible is the movable one, dropping and rising as you speak and chew, while the maxilla is fixed to the skull.
What is the difference between the jaw and the chin?
The jaw refers to the bones that frame the mouth and hold the teeth, or more loosely to the whole lower part of the face. The chin is only the small area at the very front, below the lower lip. Your chin sits on your jaw, but the jaw extends back towards the ears.
When does jaw mean to talk?
In informal English, jaw can be a verb meaning to talk at length, especially idly or in an argument: 'they sat jawing for hours'. As a noun it can likewise mean chatter or talk. Both uses are casual and slightly old-fashioned, so they are best kept out of formal writing.
