jug·u·lar
ˈjə-gyə-lər 
also
ˈjü-
also
-g(ə-)lər
1
2
: the most vital or vulnerable part of something
showed an instinct for the jugular in competition
1
: of or relating to the throat or neck
2
: of or relating to the jugular vein
Synonyms
Examples of jugular in a Sentence
Noun
a sadistic training instructor who would seek out a recruit's jugular and then go for it
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonathan Clegg, WSJ, 18 Dec. 2022
Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts.
—Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2022
Instead of trying to keep the drive alive, Oregon State went for the jugular, a long sideline pass to Anthony Gould some 40 yards downfield.
—oregonlive, 6 Nov. 2022
People in Boston go at you, but in Philly go for the jugular.
—Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for jugular 
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.
Noun
Almost straight from the restart, France pressured Argentina into a hurried clearance, and from there France went straight for the jugular.
—Jonathan Clegg, WSJ, 18 Dec. 2022
Monica goes for the jugular, among other vulnerable body parts.
—Charles McNultytheater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2022
Instead of trying to keep the drive alive, Oregon State went for the jugular, a long sideline pass to Anthony Gould some 40 yards downfield.
—oregonlive, 6 Nov. 2022
People in Boston go at you, but in Philly go for the jugular.
—Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for jugular
Dictionary Entries Near jugular
Cite this Entry
“Jugular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jugular. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share