daw

1 of 2

verb

ˈdȯ How to pronounce daw (audio)
ˈdä
dawed; dawing; daws

intransitive verb

chiefly Scotland
: dawn

daw

2 of 2

noun

Examples of daw 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 others purposely daw-dled on the short walk from Mathew Street to Whitechapel, stopping at both the two pubs that lay en route. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English dagian; akin to Old High German tagēn to dawn, Old English dæg day

Noun

Middle English dawe; akin to Old High German taha jackdaw

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daw was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daw. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

daw

noun
ˈdȯ

More from Merriam-Webster on daw

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster