jowl

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈjau̇(-ə)l 

sometimes

ˈjōl 

: usually slack flesh (such as a dewlap, wattle, or the pendulous part of a double chin) associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat

jowl

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

a

: cheek sense 1

b

: the cheek meat of a hog

2

a

: jaw

especially : mandible

b

: one of the lateral halves of the mandible

jowl

3 of 3

noun (3)

: a cut of fish consisting of the head and usually adjacent parts

Examples of jowl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Joaquín Guzmán Lopez appeared heavyset, with thick stubble on his jowls. —Keegan Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024

Not out of exuberant joy, but just to hide my emerging jowls. —Denise Snodell, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024

And underneath fake jowls, hairpieces and a foam body suit, Oldman plays Winston Churchill like a political force of nature as the World War II leader gives rousing speeches and leads England against the growing Nazi threat. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024

First, there's sagging or loose skin on the face and body, which includes sagging of the jowls, sagging of the central face, and marionette lines. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of Middle English cholle, probably from Old English ceole throat — more at glutton

Noun (2)

alteration of Middle English chavel, from Old English ceafl; akin to Middle High German kivel jaw, Avestan zafar- mouth

Noun (3)

alteration of Middle English choll

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing jowl

• cheek by jowl

Kids Definition

jowl

1 of 2 noun

ˈjau̇(ə)l 

1

: jaw entry 1 sense 1

especially : the lower jaw

2

: cheek sense 1

jowl

2 of 2 noun

: loose flesh associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat

jowly

ˈjau̇-lē

adjective