dewlap

noun

dew·​lap ˈdü-ˌlap How to pronounce dewlap (audio)
 also  ˈdyü-
1
: a fold or flap of skin on the neck of some animals: such as
a
: loose skin hanging under the neck of dogs and cattle of some breeds see cow illustration
b
: a usually brightly colored extensible flap of skin on the throat of a lizard (such as an anole)
2
: loose flesh on the human throat
dewlapped
ˈdü-ˌlapt How to pronounce dewlap (audio)
 also  ˈdyü-
adjective

Examples of dewlap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The female often sports a white dorsal stripe along her back, while the male displays a larger throat fan, or dewlap, that’s bright red and three times the size of the female’s fan. René A. Guzman, ExpressNews.com, 12 Aug. 2020 Dewlap colorThe dewlap, a flap of skin under the chin of maleanoles, unfolds to attract mates and warn rivals. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 30 July 2020 When confronted, the iguana extends the fold of skin beneath her neck, known as a dewlap, as a way to warn off intruders. National Geographic, 3 Mar. 2020 To watch the youngsters aged 7- to 18-years-old hold the leads, use their hips to persuade a heifer to move or stop, hold its dewlap for control, keep its front feet in line, or its back legs apart, is a study in animal husbandry. Denise Coffey, courant.com, 7 Aug. 2019 Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame. Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 23 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dewlap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dewlap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dewlap

Cite this Entry

“Dewlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dewlap. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dewlap

noun
dew·​lap ˈd(y)ü-ˌlap How to pronounce dewlap (audio)
: loose skin hanging under the neck of various animals (as dogs or cattle of some breeds)

Medical Definition

dewlap

noun
dew·​lap ˈd(y)ü-ˌlap How to pronounce dewlap (audio)
: loose skin hanging under the neck especially of a bovine animal
dewlapped adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dewlap

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!