mandible

noun

man·​di·​ble ˈman-də-bəl 

1

a

: jaw sense 1a

especially : a lower jaw consisting of a single bone or of completely fused bones

b

: the lower jaw with its investing soft parts

c

: either the upper or lower segment of the bill of a bird

2

: any of various invertebrate mouthparts serving to hold or bite food materials

especially : either member of the anterior pair of mouth appendages of an arthropod often forming strong biting jaws

mandibular

man-ˈdi-byə-lər 

adjective

mandibulate

man-ˈdi-byə-lət 

adjective

Examples of mandible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The samples included a tooth taken from a mandible, which became the second sample to yield a positive identification. —Ars Technica, 30 Sep. 2024

Instead, this species had mandibles that ran forward parallel to the head and facial projection closer to its eyes. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025

At first, researchers tried to extract DNA from the mandible. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025

The research team used advanced 3D imaging technology to find the ancient ant had many features similar to modern dirt ants, including distinctive mandibles with 12 triangular teeth for catching prey. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin mandibula, from Latin mandere to chew; probably akin to Greek masasthai to chew

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for mandible

• expandable
• understandable

Kids Definition

mandible

noun

man·​di·​ble ˈman-də-bəl 

1

a(1)

: a lower jaw of a vertebrate consisting of a single bone or of bones that are completely united

(2)

: the lower jaw with its surrounding soft parts

b

: either the upper or lower part of the bill of a bird

2

: either of the first pair of mouthparts of some invertebrates and especially arthropods (as an insect or crustacean) that often form biting organs

Medical Definition

mandible

noun

man·​di·​ble ˈman-də-bəl 

1

a

: jaw sense 1

especially : jaw sense 1b

b

: the lower jaw with its investing soft parts

2

: any of various invertebrate mouthparts serving to hold or bite food materials

especially : either member of the anterior pair of mouth appendages of an arthropod often forming strong biting jaws