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Definition of maw

maw

/mɔː/
maw
Plural:maws
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maw Lexical Profile

maw Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The jaws, mouth, or throat of a voracious animal.

Example

"The crocodile snapped its cavernous maw shut just inches from the riverbank."

2

A large, dark, or threatening opening, chasm, or cavity that resembles a gaping mouth.

Example

"The miners descended slowly into the dark maw of the underground cavern."

3

The stomach or craw of an animal.

Example

"The falconer carefully checked to ensure the hawk's maw was full after the feeding."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for maw

• Rhymes for maw

• Nearby Words

mauvish
maven
maverick
maw
mawkish
max
maxi

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English maga ('stomach'), of Proto-Germanic origin, cognate with Dutch maag and German Magen. Over time, the primary sense shifted in English from the internal stomach to the gaping jaws or throat of a voracious creature.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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