YAW - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Noun

an erratic deflection from an intended course

Categories: Turning, Turn

• Yaw is the side-to-side rotation of an object, like an airplane or boat — it’s one of the three axes of movement.
• Yaw is how an airplane turns left or right while flying.

Part of speech: Verb

deviate erratically from a set course

Example: the yawing motion of the ship

Categories: Deviate, Divert

Part of speech: Verb

swerve off course momentarily

Example: the ship yawed when the huge waves hit it

Categories: Swerve, Sheer, Curve, Trend, Veer, Slue, Slew, Cut

yar – A related word in the same word family.

Shakespeare alone introduced over 1,700 new words to English—many we still use today!