Alphabetical word directory
English words starting with J
Showing words 1–120 of 407. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.
j-shaped
adjhaving the shape of the letter j
jab
vto push something with a sudden, quick movement, especially with a pointed object
jabber
vto talk very quickly in a way that is difficult to understand
jacaranda
na tropical tree with clusters of blue or purple flowers and delicate fern-like leaves.
jack
nA device for lifting heavy objects, especially one for raising the axle of a motor vehicle off the ground so that a wheel can be changed.
jack-in-the-box
nA toy consisting of a box with a figure of a man on a spring inside that jumps out when the lid is opened.
jack-o-lantern
nA lantern made from a hollowed-out pumpkin with holes cut to represent a face, traditionally associated with Halloween.
jack-of-all-trades
na person who can do many different types of work, but who may not be an expert in any of them
jackal
nA wild animal of the dog family, found in Africa and Asia, that often hunts at night and eats the remains of dead animals.
jackalope
na mythical animal of north american folklore, said to be a jackrabbit with antelope horns or deer antlers.
jackass
nA stupid or foolish person
jackboot
nA heavy military boot that reaches to the knee.
jackbooted
adjwearing jackboots, especially as part of a military or authoritarian uniform.
jackdaw
na small, grey and black bird of the crow family, noted for its intelligence and habit of collecting shiny objects.
jacked-up
adj(of a vehicle) raised or modified, especially with a suspension system that gives it greater ground clearance.
jacket
na short, light coat
jacketed
adjWearing or covered by a jacket.
jackfruit
na very large tropical fruit with a thick, spiky rind, edible yellow flesh, and large seeds.
jackhammer
na large, powerful tool, usually powered by compressed air, that is held in the hands and used for breaking up hard materials such as concrete or road surfaces.
jackknife
nA large pocketknife with a folding blade.
jackpot
nThe largest prize in a game or lottery, especially one that accumulates until it is won.
jackrabbit
nA large North American hare with very long ears and long hind legs.
jackscrew
na mechanical device for lifting or moving heavy objects, consisting of a threaded rod (screw) turned by a lever or handle.
jacksonian
adjRelating to or characteristic of Andrew Jackson, his policies, or his period in office.
jacobean
adjRelating to the period of the reign of King James I of England (1603–1625).
jacobite
nA supporter of the deposed King James II of England and VII of Scotland and his descendants in their claim to the British throne after the Revolution of 1688.
jacquard
na fabric with an intricate woven pattern, often featuring complex designs like florals or scenes.
jacuzzi
nA large bath or pool with underwater jets of water that massage the body.
jade
nA hard, typically green stone used for ornaments and jewelry.
jade-green
adjOf a color that is a pale, bluish-green, like that of some jade stones.
jaded
adjtired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.
jadeite
na hard, typically green stone, a variety of jade, consisting of a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene mineral.
jag
nA sharp, projecting point or a series of such points, like on a saw or a leaf.
jagged
adjHaving a sharp, uneven edge or surface with rough points.
jaggedly
advin a way that has a rough, pointed, or uneven edge or surface.
jaguar
na large wild cat that has a yellowish-brown coat with black spots, found in central and south america.
jail
nA place where people are kept as a punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial.
jailbird
na person who is or has been in prison, especially one who has been in prison repeatedly.
jailbreak
nthe act of escaping from a jail or prison.
jailed
adjimprisoned; confined in a jail.
jailer
na person who is in charge of a jail or who guards prisoners.
jailhouse
na building or complex used as a jail or prison.
jailing
nThe act of putting someone in jail; imprisonment.
jakes
nAn old-fashioned or informal term for an outdoor toilet or privy.
jalapeno
nA medium-sized chili pepper that is dark green when unripe and red when ripe, typically having a hot flavor.
jalopy
nan old car that is in bad condition
jam
vTo push something somewhere with a lot of force, or to become stuck in a position
jam-packed
adjExtremely full or crowded; containing as much or as many as possible.
Jamaican
adjRelating to Jamaica or its people, culture, or language.
jamb
nA side post or surface of a doorway, window, or fireplace.
jambalaya
na spicy dish of cajun origin, made with rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables.
jamboree
na large, lively celebration or party, especially one organized by scouts.
jamesian
adjrelating to or characteristic of the novelist henry james or his writings, especially in their complex psychological insight and intricate style.
jammed
adjdefinition 1: pressed or squeezed tightly into a space so that movement is impossible.
jammer
nA device or transmitter used to block or interfere with radio or radar signals.
jammies
nA child's word for pyjamas.
jamming
nThe act or instance of causing a machine or device to become stuck or blocked.
jammy
adjvery lucky
jangle
vTo make a harsh, unpleasant ringing sound, typically by metal objects striking together.
jangled
vmade a harsh, discordant sound, typically of metal objects striking together
jangling
adjMaking a harsh, discordant, metallic sound.
jangly
adjMaking a harsh, ringing, or discordant metallic sound.
janitor
nA person whose job is to look after a building such as a school or an apartment block, doing small repairs and cleaning.
janitorial
adjRelating to the work of cleaning and maintaining a building.
january
nthe first month of the year, following December and preceding February
janus-faced
adjHaving two contrasting aspects or characters; deceitfully two-faced.
Japanese
adjOf or relating to Japan, its people, or their language.
japanese-american
adjOf or relating to Americans of Japanese descent.
japanese-made
adjMade or manufactured in Japan.
japanese-owned
adjOwned or controlled by Japanese individuals, companies, or capital.
japanese-style
adjmade in or imitating the manner, fashion, or design characteristic of Japan
jape
vTo say or do something in jest; to joke or quip.
jar
nA wide-mouthed cylindrical container, typically made of glass or earthenware and without a lid, used for storing food or other substances.
jargon
nSpecial words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.
jarhead
nA slang term for a United States Marine.
jarred
adjShocked, disturbed, or unsettled, often due to a sudden, unpleasant sound or event.
jarring
adjCausing a sudden, unpleasant shock or feeling of discord.
jarringly
advin a way that is incongruous, shocking, or harshly discordant.
jasmine
na climbing plant with sweet-smelling white or yellow flowers
jaundice
nA medical condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow because of excess bilirubin in the blood.
jaundiced
adjAffected by jaundice; having a yellowish discoloration of the skin, eyes, etc.
jaunt
nA short journey for pleasure
jauntily
advin a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.
jaunty
adjHaving or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.
java
nA brand name for a type of coffee produced on the island of Java, Indonesia.
javan
adjOf or relating to the island of Java, its people, or their culture.
javanese
adjFrom or relating to the Indonesian island of Java, its people, or their language.
javelin
na light spear thrown in a competitive sport or as a weapon.
javelina
na wild pig with a greyish coat and a scent gland on its back, found from the southwestern united states to central south america.
jaw
nEither of the two bones in your mouth that contain your teeth and move when you talk or eat.
jaw-dropping
adjextremely surprising or impressive
jawbone
nthe bone that forms the lower part of the face; the mandible.
jawbreaker
na very large, hard, round candy.
jawline
nThe shape or outline of the lower jaw, especially when considered as a feature of a person's appearance.
jay
na noisy and brightly colored bird of the crow family
jaybird
nA common name for the blue jay, a noisy, brightly colored North American bird.
jaywalk
vTo cross a street in an illegal, careless, or unsafe way, especially by not using a designated crosswalk.
jaywalker
na person who crosses a street in an illegal, careless, or dangerous way, such as by not using a designated crosswalk or by ignoring traffic signals.
jazz
nA type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a strong rhythm.
jazzed
adjfeeling very excited, enthusiastic, or full of energy.
jazzman
na man who plays jazz music, especially professionally.
jazzy
adjBright, colorful, and attractive in a way that is exciting and lively.
jealous
adjFeeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements, possessions, or perceived advantages.
jealously
advIn a way that shows a jealous feeling of wanting what someone else has or of wanting to keep what you have
jealousy
nThe unhappy or angry feeling of wanting what someone else has or wanting them to lose what they have.
jeans
na type of casual trousers made from strong, usually blue, denim cotton
jeep
nA small, sturdy motor vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially one used by the military.
jeer
vTo laugh or shout insults at someone to show you have no respect for them.
jeering
adjMaking rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice
jeez
interjAn exclamation expressing annoyance, surprise, or disappointment.
jefe
nA leader or boss, especially in a political or military context in Spanish-speaking regions.
jeffersonian
adjrelating to or characteristic of thomas jefferson or his political principles, especially emphasizing democracy, agrarianism, and limited government.
jejune
adj(of ideas or writings) dry and uninteresting; lacking substance or significance
jell
v(of a liquid or soft substance) to become firmer and more solid, like jelly.
jellied
adjhaving a soft, firm, semi-solid consistency like jelly
jello
nA sweet, soft, and wobbly dessert made from fruit-flavored gelatin.
jelly
na soft, sweet, clear food made by cooking fruit juice with sugar, or a similar substance made from meat juices
jelly-like
adjhaving a soft, semi-solid, and somewhat elastic consistency similar to jelly.
jelly-roll
na type of thin sponge cake spread with jam or jelly and rolled up into a cylindrical shape.
jellyfish
na sea animal with a soft, transparent body and long tentacles that can give a painful sting.