bâiller

Senses

1. 1.

   to yawn

   to open one's mouth wide involuntarily, usually from tiredness or boredom

2. 2.

   to gape; to be wide open

   (of a door, wound, seam, etc.) to open widely or stand agape

Examples

• "Elle bâille pendant le film ennuyeux."

  She yawns during the boring film.

• "La porte bâille légèrement."

  The door is slightly ajar / gaping open.

• "Il a bâillé à plusieurs reprises pendant la réunion."

  He yawned several times during the meeting.

Usage

Bâiller is a regular -er verb. The primary sense (to yawn) is everyday and neutral. The secondary sense (to gape/stand open) is more literary or formal, used for inanimate objects like doors, wounds, or gaps. Do not confuse with *bailler* (without circumflex), which is an archaic or obsolete form meaning 'to hand over' or 'to grant'.