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Definition of jawbox

jawbox

/ˈdʒɔːˌbɑːks/
jaw · box
Plural:jawboxes
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jawbox Lexical Profile

jawbox Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Scottish A large, deep, typically ceramic kitchen sink, especially one formerly found in the communal areas of tenement buildings.

Example

"The old Glasgow tenement still had its original ceramic jawbox in the kitchen, a nostalgic reminder of the past."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jawbox

Word Nuance & Usage

Chiefly used in Scottish and Ulster dialect to refer to a deep, rectangular ceramic sink, often a Belfast or Butler sink.

• Nearby Words

javelina
jaw
jawbone
jawbox
jawbreaker
jawed
jawfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in 19th-century Scotland, combining 'jaw' (slang for talking or gossiping) and 'box', because communal sinks on the landings of tenement buildings were common gathering places for residents to chat.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jawbox. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jawbox
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