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";
   - drowsy, oscitant, dopy, dopey

1. An involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
   "the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop";
   - yawn, oscitance, oscitancy, oscitation

1. Take an involuntary deep breath through a wide open mouth, as from being tired, sleepy or bored
   "The child yawned during the long performance"
    
2. Be wide open
   "the deep yawning canyon";
   - gape

Derived forms: yawnings

See also: inattentive, open, opened, unattentive [rare]

Type of: breathe, inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, open, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, respire, suspire [literary], take a breath, unconditioned reflex

Encyclopedia: Yawning