: an early symptom of tetanus characterized by spasm of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws
also
: tetanus
Examples of lockjaw in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Serrapeptase was more effective than a placebo in improving lockjaw and swelling.5
Reduce Blood Clots
Serrapeptase may be useful in breaking down plaque that builds up in your arteries.
—
Ashley Wong, Health, 29 May 2025
Tetanus is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can enter the body through a scrape or cut and causes severe, painful muscle spasms, including in the neck and jaw, which is why it’s commonly called lockjaw.
—Melissa Dahl, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025
And The Golden Key goes to … Rachel, who gave herself lockjaw before the Fantasy Suites by jumping into a cenote and hitting her head?
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2024
As long as one of them doesn't get lockjaw first.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2021
The crushing muscles of mastication clamp down to form the hallmark of the disease, lockjaw.
—Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Sep. 2015
Radziwill was also in the process of producing a documentary about her childhood memories at Lasata and hoping her eccentric aunt, with her Long Island lockjaw and beautiful singing voice, would narrate the film.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 24 Aug. 2022
New environmental laws would be an even longer shot—none have passed since 1990 because of partisan lockjaw.
—Heather Hansman, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2021
Week-long stays can, in select circumstances, feel more like confinement when the annoying uncle unleashes an onslaught of jokes that practically elicit lockjaw from the intensity of cringe.
—J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 27 Apr. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ashley Wong, Health, 29 May 2025
Tetanus is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can enter the body through a scrape or cut and causes severe, painful muscle spasms, including in the neck and jaw, which is why it’s commonly called lockjaw.
—Melissa Dahl, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025
And The Golden Key goes to … Rachel, who gave herself lockjaw before the Fantasy Suites by jumping into a cenote and hitting her head?
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2024
As long as one of them doesn't get lockjaw first.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2021
The crushing muscles of mastication clamp down to form the hallmark of the disease, lockjaw.
—Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Sep. 2015
Radziwill was also in the process of producing a documentary about her childhood memories at Lasata and hoping her eccentric aunt, with her Long Island lockjaw and beautiful singing voice, would narrate the film.
—Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 24 Aug. 2022
New environmental laws would be an even longer shot—none have passed since 1990 because of partisan lockjaw.
—Heather Hansman, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2021
Week-long stays can, in select circumstances, feel more like confinement when the annoying uncle unleashes an onslaught of jokes that practically elicit lockjaw from the intensity of cringe.
—J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 27 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Lockjaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockjaw. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lockjaw
noun
lock·jaw
ˈläk-ˌjȯ 
: a symptom of tetanus marked by spasms of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws
also
: tetanus sense 1
Medical Definition
lockjaw
noun
lock·jaw
ˈläk-ˌjȯ
: an early symptom of tetanus characterized by spasm of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws
also
: tetanus sense 1a
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share