jugular

noun

jug·​u·​lar ˈjə-gyə-lər 

also

ˈjü- 

also

-g(ə-)lər 

1

: jugular vein

2

: the most vital or vulnerable part of something

showed an instinct for the jugular in competition

Synonyms of jugular

• back

Examples of jugular in a Sentence

a sadistic training instructor who would seek out a recruit's jugular and then go for it

Recent Examples on the Web

Anyone familiar with a roast expects the comedians to go for the jugular, but when someone with actual grooming allegations gets called a pedophile, one questions whether the punchline really was meant to be a joke. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 13 May 2026

Wolf packs on the hunt encircled their prey—typically elk—clamping at the jugular when their target grew weary from the chase. —Nidhi Sharma, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026

The change added a room where prisoners are to be examined and prepped for either a standard peripheral IV, or a central line — a more invasive procedure that inserts into the internal jugular in the neck, a femoral vein in the upper thigh or a subclavian vein in the chest. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

The trailer for Bride of Charlie, which appears to be a multi-episode docuseries, goes for the widow’s jugular. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing jugular

• go for the jugular
• jugular vein

Kids Definition

jugular

adjective

jug·​u·​lar

ˈjəg-yə-lər

1

: of, relating to, or situated in or on the throat or neck

2

: of or relating to the jugular vein

Medical Definition

jugular

1 of 2 adjective

jug·​u·​lar

ˈjəg-yə-lər also ˈjüg- or -(ə-)lər

1

: of or relating to the throat or neck

2

: of or relating to the jugular vein

jugular pulsations

jugular

2 of 2 noun

: jugular vein