jowl

¹

[ joul, johl ]

noun

1. a jaw, especially the lower jaw.
2. the cheek.

jowl

²

[ joul, johl ]

noun

1. a fold of flesh hanging from the jaw, as of a very fat person.
2. the meat of the cheek of a hog.
3. the dewlap of cattle.
4. the wattle of fowls.

jowl

¹

/ dʒaʊl /

noun

1. fatty flesh hanging from the lower jaw
2. a similar fleshy part in animals, such as the wattle of a fowl or the dewlap of a bull

jowl

²

/ dʒaʊl /

noun

1. the jaw, esp the lower one
2. often plural a cheek, esp a prominent one
3. cheek by jowl
   See cheek

Derived Forms

• jowled, adjective

Other Words From

• jowled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jowl¹

before 1000; Middle English chawl, chavell, Old English ceafl jaw; cognate with Dutch kevel, German Kiefer, Old Norse kjaptr

Origin of jowl²

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English cholle, Old English ceole “throat”; cognate with German Kehle “throat”

Word History and Origins

Origin of jowl¹

Old English ceole throat; compare Old High German kela

Origin of jowl²

Old English ceafl jaw; related to Middle High German kivel, Old Norse kjaptr

Idioms and Phrases

see cheek by jowl .

Example Sentences

And for each emotional state, their combs and jowls either grow red with excitement or wane pleasantly pink with calm.

From Salon

Ruoff’s team has already used it to make diamond films composed of thousands of tiny crystals packed cheek by jowl.

From Science Magazine

To restore volume and soften facial creases, she began getting dermal fillers in her cheeks, jowls and jawline.

From Seattle Times

Hollywood has programmed me to think of “Frankenstein” movies if anyone mentions grave-robbing, but it’s the jewels, not the jowls, that are the attraction.

From Los Angeles Times

Guanciale is made from the pig’s jowls, seasoned with bay leaves, pepper and juniper.

From Washington Times