jugular
1 of 2noun
jug·u·lar ˈjə-gyə-lər 
also
ˈjü- also
-g(ə-)lər 1
: jugular vein
2
: the most vital or vulnerable part of something
showed an instinct for the jugular in competition
jugular
2 of 2adjective
1
: of or relating to the throat or neck
2
: of or relating to the jugular vein
Synonyms
Noun
- Achilles' heel
- back
- chink
- soft spot
- underbelly
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun a sadistic training instructor who would seek out a recruit's jugular and then go for it
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Z. Mcgavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Disney’s upfront, late night host Jimmy Kimmel went for the metaphorical jugular. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2022 Even with an understanding of Smart’s talent, McDonald felt his co-star’s responses in his gut each time Marty has to go for the jugular. Carita Rizzo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2022 Lamont’s approach to Stefanowski rarely involves a lunge for the jugular. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2022 Powell's already warmed them up for a big letdown, and if given the opportunity today, will deliver the jugular. Oliver Renick, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022 In contrast, Biden went for jugular and not the capillaries. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 6 Jan. 2022 An instinct to go for the jugular was a hallmark of the governor’s long political career. New York Times, 3 Feb. 2022 From the moment quarterback Tom Brady whipped the hometown crowd into a froth with his jugular-bulging hype video before kickoff, Buccaneers fans made little use of their seats. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021 See More
Noun
Whether playing safety or scrum-half, Keough prefers to go for the jugular. Patrick Z. Mcgavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2022 Disney’s upfront, late night host Jimmy Kimmel went for the metaphorical jugular. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2022 Even with an understanding of Smart’s talent, McDonald felt his co-star’s responses in his gut each time Marty has to go for the jugular. Carita Rizzo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Aug. 2022 Lamont’s approach to Stefanowski rarely involves a lunge for the jugular. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2022 Powell's already warmed them up for a big letdown, and if given the opportunity today, will deliver the jugular. Oliver Renick, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022 In contrast, Biden went for jugular and not the capillaries. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 6 Jan. 2022 An instinct to go for the jugular was a hallmark of the governor’s long political career. New York Times, 3 Feb. 2022 From the moment quarterback Tom Brady whipped the hometown crowd into a froth with his jugular-bulging hype video before kickoff, Buccaneers fans made little use of their seats. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Late Latin jugularis, from Latin jugulum collarbone, throat, from jugum yoke — more at yoke
First Known Use
Noun
1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing jugular
Medical Definition
jugular 1 of 2
adjective
jug·u·lar
ˈjəg-yə-lər also ˈjüg- or -(ə-)lər
1
: of or relating to the throat or neck
2
: of or relating to the jugular vein
jugular pulsations
jugular
2 of 2noun
: jugular vein
jugulars
noun
as in backs
a vulnerable point a sadistic training instructor who would seek out a recruit's jugular and then go for it Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- backs
- soft spots
- underbellies
- ruins
- undoings
- chinks
- downfalls
- Achilles' heels
- tragic flaws
- hamartias