yawning

1 of 2

adjective

yawn·​ing ˈyȯ-niŋ 

1

: wide open : cavernous

a yawning hole

yawning gaps in the plot

2

: showing fatigue or boredom by yawns

a yawning audience

yawningly

ˈyȯ-niŋ-lē 

adverb

yawning

2 of 2

present participle of yawn entry 1

Examples of yawning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Yet the shooting also divided the American public in ways that many found disturbing, including a yawning lack of empathy for the victim and even cheering for the shooter. — Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024

In Palm Beach County, Ian's yawning reach spun up four tornadoes. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2023

But McNamara obtained the transcripts and discovered yawning contradictions. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2022

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York may be at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, but a more yawning gap between figures in the party has existed before. — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for yawning

• awning
• conning
• dawning
• donning
• fawning
• pawning
• spawning