Definition of haw
1 : a hawthorn berry
2 : hawthorn
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Origin and Etymology of haw
Middle English hawe, from Old English haga — more at hedge
First Known Use: before 12th century
haw
Definition of haw
: nictitating membrane; especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal
Origin and Etymology of haw
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1523
Other Anatomy Terms
haw
Definition of haw
—often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking
1600
First Known Use of haw
1600
haw
Definition of haw
intransitive verb
1 : to utter the sound represented by haw hemmed and hawed before answering
2 : equivocate the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands
Origin and Etymology of haw
imitative
First Known Use: 1632
haw
Definition of haw
imperative verb
—used as a direction to turn to the left — compare gee
intransitive verb
: to turn to the near or left side
Origin and Etymology of haw
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1777
Medical Dictionary
haw
playMedical Definition of haw
: nictitating membrane; especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal
Learn More about haw
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See words that rhyme with haw Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about haw
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