Meaning & Definition of word "Yawning"
to
Yawning
/ˈjɔː.nɪŋ/
noun:
- 1. the act of yawning.
- Example: His incessant yawning during the lecture was quite distracting.
- 2. a gap or opening, often used metaphorically.
- Example: The yawning chasm in the road made driving difficult.
verb:
- 1. the action of opening one's mouth wide and taking a deep breath, typically as a sign of tiredness or boredom.
- Example: She was yawning throughout the meeting, indicating her lack of interest.
- 2. to perform the action of yawning.
- Example: He couldn't help yawning after staying up late the previous night.
Etymology
From Middle English 'yonen', of uncertain origin.
Common Phrases and Expressions
yawn and stretch:
A phrase indicating someone's reaction to being tired or waking up.
contagious yawn:
The phenomenon of yawning in response to seeing or hearing someone else yawn.
Related Words
yawn:
The act of yawning.
bore:
To induce boredom which can lead to yawning.
tired:
A state that often triggers yawning.
Slang Meanings of yawning
Meaning: Yawning like a boss
Example Sentence: He was so tired, he was yawning like a boss during the party.
Meaning: Yawn fest
Example Sentence: That lecture was such a yawn fest, I almost fell asleep.