yawn

[yawn]

verb (used without object)

1. to open the mouth somewhat involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation and sighing or heavy exhalation, as from drowsiness or boredom.

   Synonyms: gape

2. to open wide like a mouth.

   Synonyms: gape

3. to extend or stretch wide, as an open and deep space.

   Synonyms: gape

verb (used with object)

1. to say with a yawn.

2. Archaic.,  to open wide, or lay open, as if by yawning.

noun

1. an act or instance of yawning.

2. an opening; open space; chasm.

3. Informal.,  Also something so boring as to make one yawn.

   Critics say the new fashions are one big yawn.

yawn

/ jɔːn /

verb

1. (intr) to open the mouth wide and take in air deeply, often as in involuntary reaction to tiredness, sleepiness, or boredom

2. (tr) to express or utter while yawning

3. (intr) to be open wide as if threatening to engulf (someone or something)

   the mine shaft yawned below

noun

1. the act or an instance of yawning

Other Word Forms

• yawner noun
• yawning adjective
• yawningly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of yawn¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb yanen, yonen, alteration of yenen, Old English ge(o)nian; akin to Old English gānian, ginan, Old Norse gīna, German gähnen, Latin hiāre “to be wide open, gape,” Greek chaínein “to gape”; hiatus, dehisce ( def. ), chasm

Word History and Origins

Origin of yawn¹

Old English gionian; related to Old Saxon ginōn, Old High German ginēn to yawn, Old Norse gjā gap

Example Sentences

The C-130’s cargo doors yawned open, letting in a rush of sea air before Gaza came into view.

From Los Angeles Times

"Dear me," Si says simply, before turning away, too overwhelmed by the "big yawning gap" in the landscape.

From BBC

Like he would start yawning and start throwing around different things.

From Los Angeles Times

She noted that viewers could see the baby “letting out a big yawn” in photos provided by her mom and dad.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet despite all that’s at stake, the tournament has generated little more than a collective yawn among fans.

From Los Angeles Times