Definition

The action of opening one's mouth wide and inhaling deeply, typically involuntarily as a response to tiredness, boredom, or seeing another person yawn; or (figurative) wide open or gaping.

Example Usage

A yawning gap between the rich and poor has become a major political issue.

Origin

From Old English gānian, of uncertain origin; related to gape and grin.

Fun Fact

Yawning is contagious among many social animals and may be linked to empathy and theory of mind.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Beginner

pelican

A large waterbird with a long bill and a distinctive throat pouch used for catching and storing fish.

🎓 Education / Academia
Intermediate

academic journal

A peer-reviewed publication where scholars share research that approximately twelve people worldwide will actually read, though everyone must cite it to get tenure. These journals charge universities exorbitant subscription fees to access research that the universities' own faculty produced for free.

🎓 Education / Academia
Beginner

street lights

Outdoor lights mounted on poles along residential streets that automatically illuminate at dusk to provide safety and visibility after dark. In mid-20th century American childhood culture, they served as the traditional signal for children to return home.

🎓 Education / Academia
Intermediate

Idiomatic

Characteristic of or specific to a particular language, dialect, or person's manner of speaking; using expressions that are natural to native speakers but not necessarily translatable word-for-word. Idiomatic language relies on conventional meanings and cultural context rather than literal word definitions.

🎓 Education / Academia
Beginner

chinstrap

A strap that fastens under the chin to secure a helmet, hat, or other headgear in place. Also refers to a species of penguin identified by a thin black line running under its chin.

🎓 Education / Academia
Advanced

stew

Historically, a bathing establishment or steam room where people paid to get sweaty in shared quarters—basically a medieval spa day before spas existed in the glamorous sense. The term evolved to describe both the leisure activity and its more notorious applications throughout European history.

🎓 Education / Academia

Translate This Term

See “yawning” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

tmtoyh

Too Much Time On Your Hands...