Yawning
['jɔːnɪŋ] or ['jɔnɪŋ]
Definition
(adj.) gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something; 'the yawning mine shaft'; 'a yawning abyss' .
(adj.) with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness; 'a yawning congregation' .
Checked by Jeannette--From WordNet
Definition
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Yawn
Typed by Erica
Unserious Contents or Definition
If you yawn in your dreams, you will search in vain for health and contentment. To see others yawning, foretells that you will see some of your friends in a miserable state. Sickness will prevent them from their usual labors.
Editor: Yvonne
Examples
- Sir Percival was yawning in an easy-chair, the Count was reading, Madame Fosco was fanning herself. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- Most likely, said Marie, yawning,--dear me, how hot it is! Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- When they came out, Mr. Superintendent was excited, and Mr. Sergeant was yawning. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- For here all seems fallen asunder, in wide-yawning dislocation. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Becky's former acquaintances hated and envied her; the poor woman herself was yawning in spirit. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- The empty carrier then passes through a little door at the side of the building, and drops into the yawning mouth of an automatic tube. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- O, well, said Marie, yawning, that, of course--nobody doubts that. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- Thank you, Ma,' said Lavvy, yawning, 'but I can do it for myself, I am obliged to you, when there's any occasion. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I heard Madame Fosco through the open window yawning, and saw her shadow pass once more across the white field of the blind. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- I can see Vanity Fair yawning over it d'avance. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Very kind of you, said Jos, yawning, and wishing the Captain at the deuce. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Thus set forth, with the additional embellishments of a very little tail to his coat, and a yawning gulf at his waistband, Sloppy stood confessed. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Well, the bath and a meal have done wonders, said Crispin, yawning; but I must say a few hours' sleep would complete the cure. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Donne is biting his nails, and Malone yawning, so I will tell it but to thee. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- He spoke insistently, almost pleading with her in his eagerness to cover up that yawning silence. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
Edited by Flo