jawbone

1 of 2

noun

jaw·​bone ˈjȯ-ˌbōn How to pronounce jawbone (audio)
: jaw sense 1a
especially : mandible

jawbone

2 of 2

verb

jawboned; jawboning; jawbones

transitive verb

: to speak forcefully and persuasively to
jawboned them into accepting the deal

intransitive verb

: to talk especially forcefully and persuasively
jawboning about the tax cuts

Examples of jawbone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The base of the tooth is called the root, which extends into the jawbone and is surrounded by gum tissue. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025 By 2023, the sideburns are gone, and Guthrie’s cheeks are clean-shaven down to his jawbone. Rachel Clarke, CNN, 23 Sep. 2024
Verb
For one thing, Congress just showed the power of jawboning academic leaders into cleaning up their act. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 But Trump must now spend most of his time jawboning GOP senators to back his nominees. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jawbone 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of jawbone was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near jawbone

Cite this Entry

“Jawbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jawbone. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

jawbone

noun
jaw·​bone
ˈjȯ-ˈbōn,
-ˌbōn
: one of the bones of an animal's jaw
especially : mandible sense 1a

Medical Definition

jawbone

noun
: jaw sense 1
especially : mandible

More from Merriam-Webster on jawbone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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