jowl

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈjau̇(-ə)l 

sometimes

ˈjōl 

: 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

a

: cheek sense 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

Noun

While some surgeons routinely suction the jowls when contouring the jawline, others avoid them, staying below the jawbone and giving a wide berth to the delicate nerve. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 20 Nov. 2024

And Austin employs his jowls to great comic effect as the insufferably aristocratic husband. —Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

The surgery is similar to neck liposuction, though the latter targets a broader area that includes fat around the neck and jowls as well. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024

His subordinates nicknamed him Pig for his jowls and ruddy cheeks. —Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing jowl

• cheek by jowl

Kids Definition

jowl

1 of 2 noun

ˈjau̇(ə)l 

1

: jaw entry 1 sense 1

especially : the lower jaw

2

: cheek sense 1

jowl

2 of 2 noun

: loose flesh associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat

jowly

ˈjau̇-lē

adjective