Pronunciation

/ˈjɔːn/

Definitions

• Noun: A deep, audible inhalation followed by an exhalation through the mouth, often indicating weariness or boredom. For example: “After a long day, she couldn’t help but let out a yawn.”
• Verb: To stretch the mouth wide open and breathe in deeply, typically involuntarily. For example: “He yawned widely as he woke up from his nap.”
• Adjective: Characteristic of or showing a yawn; sleep-inducing. For example: “The boring lecture was so monotonous that it made people around yawn-y.”

Phrases

• “Yawned out loud” means to yawn audibly.
• “To stifle a yawn” is to try to prevent oneself from yawning.
• “A yawn is contagious” refers to the tendency for people to yawn when others do.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She felt her eyes getting heavy, and a yawn escaped her lips.”
• Verb: “After staying up all night, he could barely contain his yawns during the meeting.”
• Adjective: “The children were so tired that the classroom felt yawn-inducing.”

Synonyms

• Stretch
• Snore (informal)
• Yawn-like
• Sleepy
• Drowsy

Antonyms

• Awake
• Alert
• Energetic