haw
haw Lexical Profile
haw Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A vocalized hesitation, utterance, or pause made while speaking.
"After a long hem and haw, the committee finally announced their decision."
The small, typically red berry-like fruit of the hawthorn tree.
"In late autumn, the hedges were bright with red haws, providing crucial food for the wintering birds."
The third eyelid or nictitating membrane of an animal, especially that of a horse or dog.
"The veterinarian checked the dog's inflamed haw to ensure there was no foreign object trapped behind it."
• verb
To hesitate or pause in speech, frequently making a vocalized sound of uncertainty (often used in the phrase 'hem and haw').
"When asked about the missing funds, the treasurer hemmed and hawed before giving a noncommittal answer."
To turn to the left (used as a command for draft animals).
"The mules were trained to haw when they approached the fork in the road."
• interjection
A vocalized sound representing hesitation, uncertainty, or a pause in speech.
"Haw, I'm not entirely sure if we should proceed with the original plan."
A command directing a draft animal, such as a horse, mule, or ox, to turn to the left.
"The driver yelled 'Haw!' and the team of oxen smoothly veered to the left side of the trail."
Word Nuance & Usage
Most commonly encountered in modern English within the phrase 'hem and haw' to describe indecisive speech. As a driving command for draft animals, 'haw' instructs a left turn, which is the direct opposite of 'gee' (right turn).
• Rhymes for haw
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from distinct sources: Old English 'haga' (meaning hedge or enclosure) gave rise to the word for the hawthorn berry. The hesitation sound and the animal command are of imitative or obscure origin, likely arising naturally from vocalization.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.