maw
5 synonyms for maw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The stomach or throat of an animal, especially a large or fearsome one.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use maw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the maw of the beast
a gaping maw
Mostly used in literary or dramatic writing rather than everyday speech.
Etymology
From Old English maga, "stomach," related to German Magen and Dutch maag — all going back to a very old Germanic word for "belly."
Full origin of maw →Frequently asked questions
What does “maw” mean?
The word “maw” means the stomach or throat of an animal, especially a large or fearsome one. In plain terms, a dramatic, old-fashioned word for a creature's stomach or mouth, or any gaping, swallowing-looking opening.
How do you pronounce “maw”?
“Maw” is pronounced maw (/mɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “maw” in a sentence?
Here is “maw” used in a sentence: “The whale's enormous maw could swallow a small boat whole.”
What part of speech is “maw”?
“Maw” is a noun.
Where does the word “maw” come from?
The word “maw” comes from Old English. From Old English maga, "stomach," related to German Magen and Dutch maag — all going back to a very old Germanic word for "belly.".
How many meanings does “maw” have?
“Maw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the stomach or throat of an animal, especially a large or fearsome one.
