an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom; he could not suppress a yawn; the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop; he apologized for his oscitancy

[ Syn: yawn , oscitance , oscitancy ]

gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something; the yawning mine shaft; a yawning abyss'

with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness; a yawning congregation'

showing lack of attention or boredom; the yawning congregation

[ Syn: drowsy , oscitant ]