jowl

1 of 3

noun (1)

: usually slack flesh (such as a dewlap, wattle, or the pendulous part of a double chin) associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat

jowl

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
b
: the cheek meat of a hog
2
a
: jaw
especially : mandible
b
: one of the lateral halves of the mandible

jowl

3 of 3

noun (3)

: a cut of fish consisting of the head and usually adjacent parts

Examples of jowl 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
Aging skin can develop jowls, loose neck skin, and deep lines. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025 There’s something amusing about using a high-powered car for mundane family tasks, or seeing the family hound’s slobbery jowls pressed against the rear screen as his owner blew off yet another sports car at the lights. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025 This procedure reduces sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls by tightening and lifting facial tissues, giving them a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025 The device comes with a flat disc attachment (for forehead and jowls) and a precision ball attachment (for nasolabial folds and crow’s feet). Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jowl

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of Middle English cholle, probably from Old English ceole throat — more at glutton

Noun (2)

alteration of Middle English chavel, from Old English ceafl; akin to Middle High German kivel jaw, Avestan zafar- mouth

Noun (3)

alteration of Middle English choll

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jowl. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

jowl

1 of 2 noun
1
: jaw entry 1 sense 1
especially : the lower jaw
2

jowl

2 of 2 noun
: loose flesh associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat
jowly
ˈjau̇-lē
adjective

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