bâiller

Senses

1. 1.

   to yawn

   to open one's mouth wide involuntarily when tired or bored

2. 2.

   to gape; to be ajar

   to be partially open (of a door, window, or seam)

Examples

• "Elle a bâillé pendant toute la réunion."

  She yawned throughout the entire meeting.

• "La porte bâille légèrement."

  The door is slightly ajar.

• "Son costume bâille aux coutures."

  His suit is gaping at the seams.

Usage

Common verb in everyday French. Note the circumflex accent on the â, distinguishing it from the homonym "bailler" (to bail out). Used both literally (yawning/gaping) and figuratively in expressions like "s'ennuyer à bâiller" (to be bored to tears).