adjective

jugular

JUHG-yuul-uh

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Jugular (adjective) means relating to the neck or throat, especially the large jugular veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart. Example: “The paramedics checked for a jugular pulse to see if he was still alive.”

adjective

Relating to the neck or throat, especially the large jugular veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart.

"The paramedics checked for a jugular pulse to see if he was still alive."

"A jugular vein injury can cause dangerously fast blood loss."

How to use jugular

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes anything to do with the throat or neck, most often the jugular vein.

Memory tip

You will most often meet this word in the phrase "go for the jugular," meaning to attack someone's weakest, most vulnerable point.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

jugular vein go for the jugular

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “jugular” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The paramedics checked for a _____ pulse to see if he was still alive.

Etymology

From Late Latin jugularis, from jugulum, meaning the throat or the hollow at the base of the neck — related to the idea of a "yoke" resting across that spot.

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for jugular

ocular insular regular secular tubular angular popular modular singular circular cellular muscular

See all rhymes for jugular →

Frequently asked questions

What does “jugular” mean?

The word “jugular” means relating to the neck or throat, especially the large jugular veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart. In plain terms, describes anything to do with the throat or neck, most often the jugular vein.

How do you pronounce “jugular”?

“Jugular” is pronounced JUHG-yuul-uh (/ˈd͡ʒʌɡ.jəl.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “jugular” in a sentence?

Here is “jugular” used in a sentence: “The paramedics checked for a jugular pulse to see if he was still alive.”

What part of speech is “jugular”?

“Jugular” is an adjective.

Where does the word “jugular” come from?

The word “jugular” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin jugularis, from jugulum, meaning the throat or the hollow at the base of the neck — related to the idea of a "yoke" resting across that spot.