1
: a fold or flap of skin on the neck of some animals: such as
a
: loose skin hanging under the neck of dogs and cattle of some breeds see cow illustration
b
: a usually brightly colored extensible flap of skin on the throat of a lizard (such as an anole)
2
: loose flesh on the human throat
Examples of dewlap in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During a typical visit, guests can spot emerald and crested anoles flaring their dewlaps along the trails, while lucky visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of a Puerto Rican boa, an endemic snake that can grow nearly two meters in length.
—
Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The female often sports a white dorsal stripe along her back, while the male displays a larger throat fan, or dewlap, that’s bright red and three times the size of the female’s fan.
—René A. Guzman, ExpressNews.com, 12 Aug. 2020
Dewlap colorThe dewlap, a flap of skin under the chin of maleanoles, unfolds to attract mates and warn rivals.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 30 July 2020
When confronted, the iguana extends the fold of skin beneath her neck, known as a dewlap, as a way to warn off intruders.
—National Geographic, 3 Mar. 2020
To watch the youngsters aged 7- to 18-years-old hold the leads, use their hips to persuade a heifer to move or stop, hold its dewlap for control, keep its front feet in line, or its back legs apart, is a study in animal husbandry.
—Denise Coffey, courant.com, 7 Aug. 2019
Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 23 Feb. 2018
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Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The female often sports a white dorsal stripe along her back, while the male displays a larger throat fan, or dewlap, that’s bright red and three times the size of the female’s fan.
—René A. Guzman, ExpressNews.com, 12 Aug. 2020
Dewlap colorThe dewlap, a flap of skin under the chin of maleanoles, unfolds to attract mates and warn rivals.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 30 July 2020
When confronted, the iguana extends the fold of skin beneath her neck, known as a dewlap, as a way to warn off intruders.
—National Geographic, 3 Mar. 2020
To watch the youngsters aged 7- to 18-years-old hold the leads, use their hips to persuade a heifer to move or stop, hold its dewlap for control, keep its front feet in line, or its back legs apart, is a study in animal husbandry.
—Denise Coffey, courant.com, 7 Aug. 2019
Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 23 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Dewlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dewlap. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dewlap
noun
dew·lap
ˈd(y)ü-ˌlap 
: loose skin hanging under the neck of various animals (as dogs or cattle of some breeds)
Medical Definition
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