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 government is scrambling to implement spending cuts and push through measures to narrow this yawning budget deficit to under 5% of gross domestic product.

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Since then, Macron has churned through three different prime ministers, struggling to pass annual budgets and narrow the country’s yawning deficit.

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That interest is clear as Dyer takes in the humdrum slice-of-life shuffling about at a yawn’s pace from the waiting area on our recent field trip.

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“There’s a yawning longevity gap between those who can afford their shelter, food and healthcare, and those who can’t,” Johnson said.

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A sense of uncertainty about the future is prevalent among the young, while frustration is bubbling up over the yawning wealth gap and a general lack of opportunities.

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