maw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Figurative, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “maw” mean?
The mouth, throat, or stomach of a voracious animal, often used metaphorically for something that consumes or devours.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mouth, throat, or stomach of a voracious animal, often used metaphorically for something that consumes or devours.
A symbolic representation of a destructive, insatiable, or engulfing force, entity, or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British literary tradition.
Connotations
Equally negative and archaic in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary speech for both; found almost exclusively in written texts.
Grammar
How to Use “maw” in a Sentence
the maw of [NOUN PHRASE]into the maw of [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'the company was swallowed by the maw of its debt.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, or sociology to describe destructive systems or consumption.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in scientific or technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maw”
- Using it in literal, everyday contexts (e.g., 'my maw hurts').
- Confusing it with 'maw' as a dialectal term for 'mother' (Scottish/Irish).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used almost exclusively in literary, figurative, or archaic contexts.
It is very rare and would be considered pejorative or grotesque, comparing a person to a voracious animal.
'Jaws' focuses on the biting/chewing apparatus. 'Maw' emphasises the cavity itself—the throat and stomach—and the act of swallowing or consuming.
Etymologically, it is from Old English 'maga' meaning 'stomach'. In modern use, it is broader, often meaning the entire consuming orifice.
The mouth, throat, or stomach of a voracious animal, often used metaphorically for something that consumes or devours.
Maw is usually literary, figurative, archaic in register.
Maw: in British English it is pronounced /mɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw to the maw of the wolves”
- “the maw of the machine”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a monstrous jaw (MAW) that is always wanting MORE.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTIVE ENTITIES ARE DEVOURING ANIMALS / SYSTEMS ARE PREDATORY ORGANISMS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'maw' most appropriately used?