maw
Maw (noun) means the stomach or throat of an animal, especially a large or fearsome one. Example: “The whale's enormous maw could swallow a small boat whole.”
How to use maw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dramatic, old-fashioned word for a creature's stomach or mouth, or any gaping, swallowing-looking opening.
Mostly used in literary or dramatic writing rather than everyday speech.
Word forms
maws plural, maws plural, maws plural, Maws plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The whale's enormous _____ could swallow a small boat whole.
Etymology
From Old English maga, "stomach," related to German Magen and Dutch maag — all going back to a very old Germanic word for "belly."
Synonyms
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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.
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