Definition

1. Noun:

   • The bone of the jaw, specifically the lower jaw (mandible) in vertebrates: The jawbone is the bone that forms the framework of the jaw and holds the teeth. In common usage, it often refers specifically to the movable lower jaw.
   • A bone or bones of the jaw collectively: It can refer to the bone structure of either the upper or lower jaw.

2. Verb:

   • To talk persistently, especially in an attempt to persuade or influence someone in a friendly or informal way: To jawbone means to use talk, often in a casual, persuasive, or urging manner, rather than formal authority or force.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The anthropologist studied the ancient skull's robust jawbone.
  • A sharp pain shot through his jawbone when he yawned.

• Verb:

  • The mayor tried to jawbone local businesses into keeping prices stable.
  • He spent an hour jawboning with his neighbors about the community project.

Advanced Usage

• Economic/Political Context: The verb is often used in economics and politics to describe informal persuasion by figures in authority.
  • The central bank governor prefers to jawbone the markets rather than intervene directly.

Variants and Related Words

• Jaw (noun/verb): The more common term for the body part or to talk at length. as a noun is a more specific anatomical term.
• Mandible (noun): The formal anatomical term for the lower jawbone.
• Maxilla (noun): The formal anatomical term for the upper jawbone.

Synonyms

• Noun: Mandible, lower jaw, jowl (in some contexts).
• Verb: Persuade, urge, coax, cajole, talk (into).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Jawbone down: To successfully persuade or pressure someone to lower something, like a price.
  • We managed to jawbone the supplier down to a better rate.

Related Idioms

• Use some jawbone: To employ persuasive talk.
  • We won't get their agreement with threats; we need to use some jawbone.

Noun

1. the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth

Verb

1. talk idly or casually and in a friendly way