Meaning of yawn in English

1. Pronunciation

   /jɔn/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   yawn

   Etymology

   Old English geonian, of Germanic origin, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin hiare and Greek khainein. Current noun senses date from the early 18th century

   Definitions

   1. utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

   Examples

   • « The child yawned during the long performance »
2. 2. be wide open

   Examples

   • « the deep gaping canyon »

3. Noun

   yawn

   Definitions

   1. an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth

   Examples

   • « usually triggered by fatigue or boredom »
   • « he could not suppress a yawn »
   • « the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop »
   • « he apologized for his ostinancy »