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

The former state controller has been running for California governor longer than just about anybody in the cheek-by-jowl field. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

The former state controller has been running for California governor longer than just about anybody in the cheek-by-jowl field. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026

There can be sagging along the lower face or the development of jowls. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026

Besides jowls, are there other long-term side effects of masseter Botox? —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for jowl

• foul
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• owl
• prowl
• scowl
• afoul
• wildfowl
• waterfowl

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