Maw: meaning, definitions and examples

animal anatomy

Maw refers to the stomach or the digestive cavity of certain animals, especially carnivorous ones. It is most commonly used to describe the mouth or jaws of a voracious animal, such as a shark or a lion. The term often implies a large or greedy mouth capable of consuming a significant amount of food. In literature, 'maw' can evoke imagery of something insatiable and devouring.

gullet, jaws, mouth, stomach

Examples of usage

• The shark opened its maw wide to consume the fish.

• The lion's maw was stained with the blood of its prey.

• The volcano's maw seemed to threaten everything around it.

• He felt as though he was staring into the maw of despair.