maw

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "maw" is a valid and usable English word, although it is not very commonly used.
It most often refers to a person's mouth or throat. For example, you could say, "He stuffed the last piece of cake into his maw."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back to Blood, by Tom Wolfe Now his big generative jockey was inside her pelvic saddle, riding, riding, riding, and she was eagerly swallowing it swallowing it swallowing it with the saddle's own lips and maw — all this without a word.

The Guardian - Books

The British embassy, like numerous EU legations, has taken a strong stand against racism and last year helped launch a campaign, ZARE (Music Against Racism).Wallenberg was captured by the Russians on January 17th 1945 in Budapest and soon disappeared into the maw of the gulag.

The Economist

In France, Citroën was swallowed by Peugeot, though the brand survives, while Simca went into the maw of Chrysler, never to be seen again.Consolidation in cars is not as starkly obvious to the consumer as it has been in, say, personal computers.

The Economist

A substantial part of the party distrusts the prime minister, presuming that his plan is to draw the Lib Dems' teeth and then to swallow the party whole inside the maw of New Labour.

The Economist

Before the industrial revolution, whole forests disappeared into the charcoal-burners' maw to provide the carbon that ironmakers need to reduce their ore to metal.

The Economist

And then he called for a "better politics", in which Republicans and Democrats might "appeal to each other's basic decency instead of our basest fears".It's been fascinating to watch the big media maw chew this speech up and spit it out.

The Economist

THE taxpayers do their part, and faithfully fling their hard-earned treasure into the gaping public maw.

The Economist

Some fear that the cost of servicing the debts to the EU and IMF, and of feeding the insatiable maw of the banks, will eventually force Ireland into a debt restructuring.

The Economist

TOWARDS the end of "Toy Story 3", Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and the other toys find themselves heading into the maw of a moving-grate garbage incinerator.

The Economist

The volumes disappeared into the government maw and when returned to Dr Seaborg were massively defaced.

The Economist

The idea is that the proceeds will no longer simply disappear into the Treasury's maw.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maw" to evoke a sense of something vast, consuming, or menacing. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing to create a vivid image.

Common error

Avoid using "maw" in casual conversation or modern contexts where a more common word like "mouth" or "opening" would be more appropriate. Its archaic and somewhat dramatic tone can sound out of place.

Linguistic Context

"Maw" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the mouth or throat of an animal, or metaphorically, to any large, gaping opening. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showcasing examples where "maw" describes literal openings or figurative abysses. It can evoke a sense of danger or insatiability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

39%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maw" is a noun that describes a mouth or throat, often with implications of a large, consuming opening. While grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it carries a somewhat archaic and literary tone, making it more suitable for descriptive or metaphorical contexts rather than casual conversation. Ludwig examples show its use in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources, emphasizing its descriptive and evocative power. Related terms include "jaws", "gullet", and "abyss", each offering slightly different nuances. When writing, it is important to be mindful of the register, avoiding its use where a more common term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jaws

Refers specifically to the bones forming the framework of the mouth, often in a threatening context.

gullet

Specifically denotes the passage from the mouth to the stomach; less figurative than "maw".

abyss

Implies a deep, immeasurable space, often used metaphorically for something vast and consuming.

chasm

Suggests a deep fissure or opening, either literal or metaphorical.

gorge

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, often with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

opening

A general term for a gap or space that allows passage; less evocative than "maw".

cavity

A hollow space within a solid object or body; more neutral in tone.

void

Suggests a completely empty space; often used metaphorically for a feeling of emptiness or loss.

mouth

The opening through which food is taken in; more literal and less figurative than "maw".

trap

Indicates a perilous situation or device that captures something; it emphasizes the danger and entrapment.

FAQs

How can I use "maw" in a sentence?

You can use "maw" to describe the mouth or throat of an animal, a large opening, or something that consumes or engulfs. For instance, "The whale opened its massive maw." or "The forest path led into the dark maw of the woods."

What words can I use instead of "maw"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mouth", "opening", "abyss", or "gullet". Each alternative has a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to use "maw" to describe a non-living thing?

Yes, "maw" can be used metaphorically to describe non-living things that resemble a gaping opening or something that consumes. For example, "the maw of the volcano" or "the maw of the bureaucracy."

What is the difference between "maw" and "jaws"?

"Maw" generally refers to the mouth or throat, suggesting a wide opening or something that consumes. "Jaws", on the other hand, specifically refers to the bones framing the mouth, often implying a sense of danger or aggression. Although they can be interchangeable, "jaws" highlights the structure, while "maw" emphasizes the opening itself.