yawning meaning and definition

YAWNING noun

Definition of yawning (noun)

1. an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
   • "he could not suppress a yawn"; "the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop"; "he apologized for his oscitancy"
   • synonyms: oscitance, oscitancy, yawn

YAWNING adjective

Definition of yawning (adjective)

1. gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something
   • "the yawning mine shaft"; "a yawning abyss"
2. with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness
   • "a yawning congregation"
3. showing lack of attention or boredom
   • "the yawning congregation"
   • synonyms: drowsy, oscitant