noun

yaw

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Yaw (noun) means the rotation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle from side to side around its vertical axis. Example: “Turbulence caused a noticeable yaw in the aircraft's nose.”

noun

The rotation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle from side to side around its vertical axis.

"Turbulence caused a noticeable yaw in the aircraft's nose."

verb

To swing off course from side to side.

"The small boat yawed wildly in the crosswind."

How to use yaw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSwinging left and right off a straight course, or the technical term for that side-to-side rotation in ships and aircraft.

Common mistake

In aviation, yaw (side to side), pitch (nose up/down), and roll (tilting side to side) are three distinct axes of movement — don't mix them up.

Easily confused with

pitch → roll →

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: yaws
Third person singular: yaws
Past tense: yawed

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Turbulence caused a noticeable _____ in the aircraft's nose.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, first recorded in the mid-1500s; possibly linked to an Old Norse word meaning to chase or drive back and forth.

Origin: Old Norse · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 yaw joined the language around 1500.

acknowledge amok asthma atlas axis

See the full Class of 1500 →

Synonyms

View more →

gape yawn swerve

Related words

avoid trend curve bore stare dodge gaze slew

Frequently asked questions

What does “yaw” mean?

The word “yaw” means the rotation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle from side to side around its vertical axis. In plain terms, swinging left and right off a straight course, or the technical term for that side-to-side rotation in ships and aircraft.

How do you pronounce “yaw”?

“Yaw” is pronounced yaw (/jɔː/ in IPA).

How do you use “yaw” in a sentence?

Here is “yaw” used in a sentence: “Turbulence caused a noticeable yaw in the aircraft's nose.”

What part of speech is “yaw”?

Depending on how it is used, “yaw” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “yaw” come from?

The word “yaw” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Old Norse. Origin uncertain, first recorded in the mid-1500s; possibly linked to an Old Norse word meaning to chase or drive back and forth.

How many meanings does “yaw” have?

“Yaw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the rotation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle from side to side around its vertical axis.

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Vocabulary lists that include yaw:

Words with old Norse origins Words that end with W Words that start with Y

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