dewlap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Zoological
Quick answer
What does “dewlap” mean?
A fold of loose skin hanging from the neck or throat, especially in certain animals such as cows, dogs, or birds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fold of loose skin hanging from the neck or throat, especially in certain animals such as cows, dogs, or birds.
The term can be extended metaphorically to describe any loose, hanging fold of skin or flesh, sometimes even applied humorously to a similar feature on a human neck.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and technical in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral within zoological context; can carry slightly humorous or unflattering connotations if applied to humans.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “dewlap” in a Sentence
the dewlap of (an animal)a/an (adjective) dewlapto have a dewlapVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dewlap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form)
American English
- (No standard verb form)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective form)
American English
- (No standard adjective form)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, veterinary science, and animal husbandry to describe specific anatomical features.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by farmers, dog breeders, or in a humorous/joking manner.
Technical
Precise anatomical term for a specific structure in certain animals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dewlap”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dewlap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dewlap”
- Misspelling as 'dewlap' pronounced like 'lap' of water (it's one word).
- Using it to refer to a double chin in humans without humorous/figurative intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in standard or polite descriptions. It can be used humorously or pejoratively to describe a very loose, hanging fold of skin on an older person's neck, but 'double chin' or 'loose skin' is more common.
Cattle (like bulls and cows), certain dog breeds (like Bloodhounds and Mastiffs), some reptiles (like anoles, which extend a colourful dewlap as a display), and some birds (turkeys, chickens).
It varies. In some animals, it may aid in thermoregulation or store fat. In others, like certain lizards, it's used for display and communication. In cattle, it is largely a breed characteristic.
They are similar. 'Dewlap' usually refers to a fold of skin hanging from the neck. 'Wattle' often refers to a similar fleshy appendage, but is more specifically used for the red lobes on birds like turkeys and chickens. The terms can sometimes overlap.
A fold of loose skin hanging from the neck or throat, especially in certain animals such as cows, dogs, or birds.
Dewlap is usually formal, technical, zoological in register.
Dewlap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdjuːlæp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːlæp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DEW forming on a cow's LAP of skin hanging from its neck early in the morning.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOOSENESS/EXCESS IS A HANGING FLAP (e.g., 'He's getting a bit of a dewlap with age').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dewlap' most appropriately used?