dewlap

noun

dew·​lap ˈdü-ˌlap 

 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 

 also  ˈdyü-

adjective

Examples of dewlap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Dewlap colorThe dewlap, a flap of skin under the chin of maleanoles, unfolds to attract mates and warn rivals. —Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 30 July 2020

When confronted, the iguana extends the fold of skin beneath her neck, known as a dewlap, as a way to warn off intruders. —National Geographic, 3 Mar. 2020

To watch the youngsters aged 7- to 18-years-old hold the leads, use their hips to persuade a heifer to move or stop, hold its dewlap for control, keep its front feet in line, or its back legs apart, is a study in animal husbandry. —Denise Coffey, courant.com, 7 Aug. 2019

Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame. —Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 23 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dewlap

noun

dew·​lap ˈd(y)ü-ˌlap 

: 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 

: loose skin hanging under the neck especially of a bovine animal

dewlapped

-ˌlapt 

adjective