Yaw

/jɔː/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a side-to-side motion or deviation from a straight course.

The yaw of the aircraft was monitored closely during the flight.

the angle between the centerline of a vehicle and the direction of travel.

The navigator adjusted for the yaw before setting a course.

verb

to turn a ship or aircraft about its vertical axis; to change direction.

The pilot had to yaw the plane to avoid the thunderstorm.

to move or sway from side to side.

The boat began to yaw as the waves increased.

Originated from Middle English 'yawen', related to the Old English 'geongan' which means to yawn or to turn.

yaw to port

To turn left relative to the direction of travel.

yaw to starboard

To turn right relative to the direction of travel.

pitch

To turn about a lateral axis.

roll

To rotate about a longitudinal axis.

steering

The act of directing a vehicle's movement.

To take a detour or change one's mind.

He was set on his plan, but then he decided to yaw and do something else.