lantern jaw

noun

1. a distinctly protruding, often wide lower jaw.
2. a long, thin jaw.

lantern jaw

noun

1. whenplural, refers to upper and lower jaw; when singular usually to lower jaw a long hollow jaw that gives the face a drawn appearance

Word History and Origins

Origin of lantern jaw¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; so called from the fancied resemblance of the face to the shape of a lantern

Example Sentences

The reason for this, Voshart explains, is that Thrax is thought to have had a pituitary gland disorder in his youth, giving him a lantern jaw and mountainous frame.

From The Verge

Dozens of other photographs have been manipulated as well, pushing existing women closer together to suggest coupledom, or creating wives where husbands had been by removing Adam’s apples, lantern jaws and five-o’clock shadows.

From New York Times

Turtleneck Man was a youngish audience member whose lantern jaw and realtor’s haircut were complemented by a charcoal turtleneck and one of the most remarkable “Question Time” questions in a while.

From New York Times

Abraham is a block of a man with a tree-trunk neck and a lantern jaw.

From New York Times

Then one day she saw an image of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, with his lantern jaw and no-nonsense gray hair.

From Washington Post