haw

noun (1)

\ ˈhȯ

Definition of haw

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a hawthorn berry

2 : hawthorn

haw

noun (2)

Definition of haw (Entry 2 of 5)

: nictitating membrane especially : an inflamed nictitating membrane of a domesticated mammal

haw

interjection

Definition of haw (Entry 3 of 5)

—often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking

haw

verb (1)

hawed; hawing; haws

Definition of haw (Entry 4 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to utter the sound represented by haw hemmed and hawed before answering

2 : equivocate the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands

haw

verb (2)

hawed; hawing; haws

Definition of haw (Entry 5 of 5)

imperative verb

—used as a direction to turn to the left — compare gee

intransitive verb

: to turn to the near or left side

First Known Use of haw

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1523, in the meaning defined above

Interjection

1600, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1777, in the meaning defined at sense

History and Etymology for haw

Noun (1)

Middle English hawe, from Old English haga — more at hedge

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Verb (1)

imitative

Verb (2)

origin unknown

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More Definitions for haw

haw

noun