jugular

1 of 2

noun

jug·​u·​lar ˈjə-gyə-lər How to pronounce jugular (audio)
also
ˈjü- How to pronounce jugular (audio)
also
-g(ə-)lər How to pronounce jugular (audio)
1
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

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
Almost straight from the restart, France pressured Argentina into a hurried clearance, and from there France went straight for the jugular. Jonathan Clegg, WSJ, 18 Dec. 2022 Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts. Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2022 Instead of trying to keep the drive alive, Oregon State went for the jugular, a long sideline pass to Anthony Gould some 40 yards downfield. oregonlive, 6 Nov. 2022 People in Boston go at you, but in Philly go for the jugular. Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Oct. 2022 Whether playing safety or scrum-half, Keough prefers to go for the jugular. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Disney’s upfront, late night host Jimmy Kimmel went for the metaphorical jugular. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2022 Even with an understanding of Smart’s talent, McDonald felt his co-star’s responses in his gut each time Marty has to go for the jugular. Carita Rizzo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2022 Lamont’s approach to Stefanowski rarely involves a lunge for the jugular. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jugular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of jugular was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near jugular

Cite this Entry

“Jugular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jugular. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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