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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During a typical visit, guests can spot emerald and crested anoles flaring their dewlaps along the trails, while lucky visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of a Puerto Rican boa, an endemic snake that can grow nearly two meters in length. — Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 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

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

Rhymes for dewlap

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Browse Nearby Words

De Witte
dewlap
dewool
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Cite this Entry

“Dewlap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dewlap. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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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
-ˌlapt How to pronounce dewlap (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dewlap

Nglish: Translation of dewlap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dewlap

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