yawn
YAWN
/jɔːn/
To involuntarily open one's mouth wide and inhale deeply, typically due to tiredness or boredom; (as a noun) the act of doing this.
While primarily a physical reflex, 'yawn' can also be used figuratively to describe a wide opening (e.g., a yawning chasm) or to indicate that something is extremely boring.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Old English 'gānian', meaning 'to gape' or 'to open the mouth wide'. It is cognate with the Old Norse 'gína' and German 'gähnen'. The physical sound of the word itself mimics the open-mouthed shape of the action.
Word relationships
- gape: 'Gape' means to open the mouth wide in surprise or wonder, whereas 'yawn' is specifically tied to tiredness or boredom.
Commonly confused with
- sigh: A 'sigh' is a long, deep, audible exhalation expressing sadness, relief, or exhaustion, whereas a 'yawn' is an inhalation with a wide-open mouth.
Word family
- yawner (noun): A person who yawns.
- yawningly (adverb): In a manner that suggests tiredness or boredom.
Collocations
- stifle a yawn
- suppress a yawn
- yawning chasm
Idioms & expressions
- a yawning gap
Example sentences
- "The little boy tried to hide his yawn, but his heavy eyelids gave him away." Describing a child struggling to stay awake.
- "The hikers stood at the edge of a yawning canyon, marveling at the vast drop below." Figurative use describing a physical space.
Memory hook
The word 'YAWN' looks like a wide-open mouth with the 'Y' acting as the open jaw. Y-A-W-N: Your Air Wants Now.
When not to use
Do not use 'yawn' to describe a voluntary sigh or gasp; it is specifically the deep, involuntary inhalation associated with sleepiness or boredom.
Fun facts
- Yawning is famously contagious; even reading the word 'yawn' or seeing a picture of someone yawning can trigger a yawn in up to 60% of people.
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