noun
jawbone
Jawbone (noun) means the bone forming the lower jaw; the mandible. Example: “The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in the jawbone.”
noun
1
The bone forming the lower jaw; the mandible.
"The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in the jawbone."
verb
1
To pressure or persuade someone through talk rather than force, especially when an official uses public statements to influence behaviour.
"The central bank jawboned markets into calming down without raising rates."
"Regulators jawboned the company into changing its policy."
How to use jawbone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally the mandible bone; as a verb, to pressure someone using words and implied threats rather than direct action.
When to use it
The verb sense is common in economics and policy journalism.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like jawbone.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- jawbones
- Third person singular
- jawbones
- Past tense
- jawboned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in the _____.
Etymology
A partial translation of an older Middle English term "chawlbone" — simply "jaw" plus "bone."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for jawbone
See all rhymes for jawbone →Frequently asked questions
What does “jawbone” mean?
The word “jawbone” means the bone forming the lower jaw; the mandible. In plain terms, literally the mandible bone; as a verb, to pressure someone using words and implied threats rather than direct action.
How do you use “jawbone” in a sentence?
Here is “jawbone” used in a sentence: “The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in the jawbone.”
What part of speech is “jawbone”?
Depending on how it is used, “jawbone” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jawbone” come from?
The word “jawbone” comes from Middle English. A partial translation of an older Middle English term "chawlbone" — simply "jaw" plus "bone.".
How many meanings does “jawbone” have?
“Jawbone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the bone forming the lower jaw; the mandible.
