jugular

1 of 2

noun

jug·​u·​lar ˈjə-gyə-lər 

also

ˈjü- 

also

-g(ə-)lər 

1

: jugular vein

2

: the most vital or vulnerable part of something

showed an instinct for the jugular in competition

jugular

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to the throat or neck

2

: of or relating to the jugular vein

Synonyms

Noun

• Achilles' heel
• back
• chink
• soft spot
• underbelly

Examples of jugular in a Sentence

Noun

a sadistic training instructor who would seek out a recruit's jugular and then go for it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Zachary Naegele, 24, was competing at the Conley Invitational in Palmetto, Florida, last week when the bull’s horn punctured his jugular, causing blood to stream out in a heart-pounding, caught-on-camera moment. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025

Gone are the days of Ami Cusack cutting down men without hesitation or Natalie Bolton flossing her teeth with Jason Siska’s jugular. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

The unapologetic placement of Mercury is a straight shooter that goes right for the jugular with its bow and arrow. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 22 Nov. 2024

Chains of tumors glowed like constellations on his scans, encircling his lungs, pressing against his heart, pushing on his jugular. —John Carlisle, Detroit Free Press, 14 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin jugularis, from Latin jugulum collarbone, throat, from jugum yoke — more at yoke

First Known Use

Noun

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing jugular

• go for the jugular
• jugular vein

Kids Definition

jugular

adjective

jug·​u·​lar

ˈjəg-yə-lər

1

: of, relating to, or situated in or on the throat or neck

2

: of or relating to the jugular vein

Medical Definition

jugular

1 of 2 adjective

jug·​u·​lar

ˈjəg-yə-lər also ˈjüg- or -(ə-)lər

1

: of or relating to the throat or neck

2

: of or relating to the jugular vein

jugular pulsations

jugular

2 of 2 noun

: jugular vein