Yawning Definition & Meaning

yawning
adjective
  1. gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something; "the yawning mine shaft"; "a yawning abyss"
  2. with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness; "a yawning congregation"
  3. showing lack of attention or boredom; "the yawning congregation"
noun
  1. an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; 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 oscitancy"

Synonyms for yawning

drowsy adj

half asleep; "made drowsy by the long ride"; "it seemed a pity to disturb the drowsing (or dozing) professor

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
open adj

affording unobstructed entrance and exit; not shut or closed; "an open door

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
opened adj

used of mouth or eyes; "keep your eyes open"; "his mouth slightly opened" made open or clear

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Yawning" in song lyrics

See how yawning is used in real songs:

  • "stomach turner, don't test me creepy crawlers I'm yawning"
    Arsonists — Blaze
  • "stop it the music is boring am yawning"
    Belly — People Change
  • "And I'm, up early in the morning, yawning"
    Boot Camp Clik — Bubblin' Up

Words that rhyme with yawning

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Usage tips for "yawning"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "yawning" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for yawning to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with yawning 🔬 Words containing yawning

Frequently asked questions

What does yawning mean?
gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something; "the yawning mine shaft"; "a yawning abyss" with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness; "a yawning congregation" showing lack of attention or boredom; "the yawning congregation" an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; 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 oscitancy"
What part of speech is yawning?
Yawning is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does yawning have?
Yawning has 4 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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