jaw

Your jaw is the bony part of your mouth that holds your teeth and helps you chew and speak. People also use it when talking about the shape of the lower face, as in "a strong jawline." If someone's jaw drops, it means they are very surprised and their mouth falls open.

The word "jaw" can also be a verb, meaning to talk a lot or to speak to someone in a scolding way. A person with a "set jaw" often looks firm or determined. You might picture a dog with a powerful jaw, able to bite and hold strongly.

The word "jaw" most often refers to the bony part of the mouth, especially the lower part that moves when you chew or speak. More broadly, it can also refer to either the upper or lower part that holds the teeth. It helps give shape to the face and does important work every day when you eat, talk, or clench your mouth shut. You can even feel it move near your ears when you open and close your mouth.

But "jaw" is not only about anatomy. When someone is extremely surprised, we say their "jaw dropped," which paints a clear picture of their mouth falling open. You might also hear about a "strong jawline," meaning a clear, noticeable line along the lower face. In descriptions of people, that idea often suggests strength, confidence, or determination.

As a verb, "to jaw" means to talk for a long time, often in an informal way, and sometimes to scold or lecture someone. You could say, "They jawed for hours about politics," or "The coach jawed at the team after the game." This verb use is less common than the noun, but it still appears in speech and writing.

The word also appears in many fixed phrases that connect the physical meaning to emotion or attitude. A "set jaw" suggests self-control, tension, or resolve. A "slack jaw" can suggest surprise or a dull, empty look. Whether you are talking about the mouth, the shape of the face, a shocked expression, or long and forceful talking, "jaw" is a flexible English word with both literal and figurative uses.