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
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.
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 8 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share