Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with J

Showing words 1120 of 407. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

j-shaped

adj

having the shape of the letter j

[ˈdʒeɪ ʃeɪpt]

jab

v

to push something with a sudden, quick movement, especially with a pointed object

[dʒæb]

jabber

v

to talk very quickly in a way that is difficult to understand

[ˈdʒæbər]

jacaranda

n

a tropical tree with clusters of blue or purple flowers and delicate fern-like leaves.

[ˌdʒækəˈrændə]

jack

n

A 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.

[dʒæk]

jack-in-the-box

n

A toy consisting of a box with a figure of a man on a spring inside that jumps out when the lid is opened.

[ˈdʒæk ɪn ðə ˌbɑːks]

jack-o-lantern

n

A lantern made from a hollowed-out pumpkin with holes cut to represent a face, traditionally associated with Halloween.

[ˌdʒæk ə ˈlæntərn]

jack-of-all-trades

n

a person who can do many different types of work, but who may not be an expert in any of them

[ˌdʒæk əv ɔːl ˈtreɪdz]

jackal

n

A wild animal of the dog family, found in Africa and Asia, that often hunts at night and eats the remains of dead animals.

[ˈdʒækəl]

jackalope

n

a mythical animal of north american folklore, said to be a jackrabbit with antelope horns or deer antlers.

[ˈdʒækəˌloʊp]

jackass

n

A stupid or foolish person

[ˈdʒækˌæs]

jackboot

n

A heavy military boot that reaches to the knee.

[ˈdʒækˌbuːt]

jackbooted

adj

wearing jackboots, especially as part of a military or authoritarian uniform.

[ˈdʒækˌbuːtɪd]

jackdaw

n

a small, grey and black bird of the crow family, noted for its intelligence and habit of collecting shiny objects.

[ˈdʒæk.dɑː]

jacked-up

adj

(of a vehicle) raised or modified, especially with a suspension system that gives it greater ground clearance.

[dʒækt ˈʌp]

jacket

n

a short, light coat

[ˈdʒækɪt]

jacketed

adj

Wearing or covered by a jacket.

[ˈdʒækɪtɪd]

jackfruit

n

a very large tropical fruit with a thick, spiky rind, edible yellow flesh, and large seeds.

[ˈdʒækˌfruːt]

jackhammer

n

a 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.

[ˈdʒækˌhæmər]

jackknife

n

A large pocketknife with a folding blade.

[ˈdʒækˌnaɪf]

jackpot

n

The largest prize in a game or lottery, especially one that accumulates until it is won.

[ˈdʒækpɑːt]

jackrabbit

n

A large North American hare with very long ears and long hind legs.

[ˈdʒækˌræbɪt]

jackscrew

n

a mechanical device for lifting or moving heavy objects, consisting of a threaded rod (screw) turned by a lever or handle.

[ˈdʒækskruː]

jacksonian

adj

Relating to or characteristic of Andrew Jackson, his policies, or his period in office.

[dʒækˈsoʊniən]

jacobean

adj

Relating to the period of the reign of King James I of England (1603–1625).

[ˌdʒæk.əˈbiː.ən]

jacobite

n

A 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.

[ˈdʒækəbaɪt]

jacquard

n

a fabric with an intricate woven pattern, often featuring complex designs like florals or scenes.

[ˈdʒækɑːrd]

jacuzzi

n

A large bath or pool with underwater jets of water that massage the body.

[dʒəˈkuːzi]

jade

n

A hard, typically green stone used for ornaments and jewelry.

[dʒeɪd]

jade-green

adj

Of a color that is a pale, bluish-green, like that of some jade stones.

[ˌdʒeɪd ˈɡriːn]

jaded

adj

tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.

[ˈdʒeɪdɪd]

jadeite

n

a hard, typically green stone, a variety of jade, consisting of a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene mineral.

[ˈdʒeɪdaɪt]

jag

n

A sharp, projecting point or a series of such points, like on a saw or a leaf.

[dʒæɡ]

jagged

adj

Having a sharp, uneven edge or surface with rough points.

[ˈdʒæɡɪd]

jaggedly

adv

in a way that has a rough, pointed, or uneven edge or surface.

[ˈdʒæɡ.ɪd.li]

jaguar

n

a large wild cat that has a yellowish-brown coat with black spots, found in central and south america.

[ˈdʒæɡwɑːr]

jail

n

A place where people are kept as a punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial.

[dʒeɪl]

jailbird

n

a person who is or has been in prison, especially one who has been in prison repeatedly.

[ˈdʒeɪlbɜːrd]

jailbreak

n

the act of escaping from a jail or prison.

[ˈdʒeɪlbreɪk]

jailed

adj

imprisoned; confined in a jail.

[dʒeɪld]

jailer

n

a person who is in charge of a jail or who guards prisoners.

[ˈdʒeɪlər]

jailhouse

n

a building or complex used as a jail or prison.

[ˈdʒeɪlhaʊs]

jailing

n

The act of putting someone in jail; imprisonment.

[ˈdʒeɪlɪŋ]

jakes

n

An old-fashioned or informal term for an outdoor toilet or privy.

[dʒeɪks]

jalapeno

n

A medium-sized chili pepper that is dark green when unripe and red when ripe, typically having a hot flavor.

[ˌhɑːləˈpeɪnjəʊ]

jalopy

n

an old car that is in bad condition

[dʒəˈlɑː.pi]

jam

v

To push something somewhere with a lot of force, or to become stuck in a position

[dʒæm]

jam-packed

adj

Extremely full or crowded; containing as much or as many as possible.

[ˌdʒæm ˈpækt]

Jamaican

adj

Relating to Jamaica or its people, culture, or language.

[dʒəˈmeɪkən]

jamb

n

A side post or surface of a doorway, window, or fireplace.

[dʒæm]

jambalaya

n

a spicy dish of cajun origin, made with rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables.

[ˌdʒɑːm.bəˈlaɪ.ə]

jamboree

n

a large, lively celebration or party, especially one organized by scouts.

[ˌdʒæm.bəˈriː]

jamesian

adj

relating to or characteristic of the novelist henry james or his writings, especially in their complex psychological insight and intricate style.

[ˈdʒeɪmziən]

jammed

adj

definition 1: pressed or squeezed tightly into a space so that movement is impossible.

[dʒæmd]

jammer

n

A device or transmitter used to block or interfere with radio or radar signals.

[ˈdʒæmər]

jammies

n

A child's word for pyjamas.

[ˈdʒæm.iz]

jamming

n

The act or instance of causing a machine or device to become stuck or blocked.

[ˈdʒæmɪŋ]

jammy

adj

very lucky

[ˈdʒæmi]

jangle

v

To make a harsh, unpleasant ringing sound, typically by metal objects striking together.

[ˈdʒæŋɡl]

jangled

v

made a harsh, discordant sound, typically of metal objects striking together

[ˈdʒæŋɡ(ə)ld]

jangling

adj

Making a harsh, discordant, metallic sound.

[ˈdʒæŋɡlɪŋ]

jangly

adj

Making a harsh, ringing, or discordant metallic sound.

[ˈdʒæŋɡli]

janitor

n

A person whose job is to look after a building such as a school or an apartment block, doing small repairs and cleaning.

[ˈdʒænɪtər]

janitorial

adj

Relating to the work of cleaning and maintaining a building.

[dʒænɪˈtɔːriəl]

january

n

the first month of the year, following December and preceding February

[ˈdʒænjuˌeri]

janus-faced

adj

Having two contrasting aspects or characters; deceitfully two-faced.

[ˈdʒeɪnəsˌfeɪst]

Japanese

adj

Of or relating to Japan, its people, or their language.

[ˌdʒæpəˈniːz]

japanese-american

adj

Of or relating to Americans of Japanese descent.

[ˌdʒæp.ə.niːz.əˈmer.ɪ.kən]

japanese-made

adj

Made or manufactured in Japan.

[ˌdʒæp.əˈniːz.ˈmeɪd]

japanese-owned

adj

Owned or controlled by Japanese individuals, companies, or capital.

[ˌdʒæp.əˈniːz ˈoʊnd]

japanese-style

adj

made in or imitating the manner, fashion, or design characteristic of Japan

[ˌdʒæpəˈniːz staɪl]

jape

v

To say or do something in jest; to joke or quip.

[dʒeɪp]

jar

n

A wide-mouthed cylindrical container, typically made of glass or earthenware and without a lid, used for storing food or other substances.

[dʒɑːr]

jargon

n

Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.

[ˈdʒɑːrɡən]

jarhead

n

A slang term for a United States Marine.

[ˈdʒɑːrhɛd]

jarred

adj

Shocked, disturbed, or unsettled, often due to a sudden, unpleasant sound or event.

[dʒɑːrd]

jarring

adj

Causing a sudden, unpleasant shock or feeling of discord.

[ˈdʒɑːrɪŋ]

jarringly

adv

in a way that is incongruous, shocking, or harshly discordant.

[ˈdʒɑːrɪŋli]

jasmine

n

a climbing plant with sweet-smelling white or yellow flowers

[ˈdʒæzmɪn]

jaundice

n

A medical condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow because of excess bilirubin in the blood.

[ˈdʒɔːndɪs]

jaundiced

adj

Affected by jaundice; having a yellowish discoloration of the skin, eyes, etc.

[ˈdʒɔːndɪst]

jaunt

n

A short journey for pleasure

[dʒɔːnt]

jauntily

adv

in a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.

[ˈdʒɑːn.t̬əl.i]

jaunty

adj

Having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.

[ˈdʒɔːnti]

java

n

A brand name for a type of coffee produced on the island of Java, Indonesia.

[ˈdʒɑːvə]

javan

adj

Of or relating to the island of Java, its people, or their culture.

[ˈdʒɑːvən]

javanese

adj

From or relating to the Indonesian island of Java, its people, or their language.

[ˌdʒɑː.vəˈniːz]

javelin

n

a light spear thrown in a competitive sport or as a weapon.

[ˈdʒæv.lɪn]

javelina

n

a wild pig with a greyish coat and a scent gland on its back, found from the southwestern united states to central south america.

[ˌhævəˈliːnə]

jaw

n

Either of the two bones in your mouth that contain your teeth and move when you talk or eat.

[dʒɑː]

jaw-dropping

adj

extremely surprising or impressive

[ˈdʒɑːˌdrɑːpɪŋ]

jawbone

n

the bone that forms the lower part of the face; the mandible.

[ˈdʒɑːboʊn]

jawbreaker

n

a very large, hard, round candy.

[ˈdʒɑːˌbreɪkər]

jawline

n

The shape or outline of the lower jaw, especially when considered as a feature of a person's appearance.

[ˈdʒɑːlaɪn]

jay

n

a noisy and brightly colored bird of the crow family

[dʒeɪ]

jaybird

n

A common name for the blue jay, a noisy, brightly colored North American bird.

[ˈdʒeɪbɜːrd]

jaywalk

v

To cross a street in an illegal, careless, or unsafe way, especially by not using a designated crosswalk.

[ˈdʒeɪ.wɑːk]

jaywalker

n

a 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.

[ˈdʒeɪˌwɔːkər]

jazz

n

A type of music of black American origin characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a strong rhythm.

[dʒæz]

jazzed

adj

feeling very excited, enthusiastic, or full of energy.

[dʒæzd]

jazzman

n

a man who plays jazz music, especially professionally.

[ˈdʒæzmən]

jazzy

adj

Bright, colorful, and attractive in a way that is exciting and lively.

[ˈdʒæz.i]

jealous

adj

Feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements, possessions, or perceived advantages.

[ˈdʒeləs]

jealously

adv

In a way that shows a jealous feeling of wanting what someone else has or of wanting to keep what you have

[ˈdʒeləsli]

jealousy

n

The unhappy or angry feeling of wanting what someone else has or wanting them to lose what they have.

[ˈdʒeləsi]

jeans

n

a type of casual trousers made from strong, usually blue, denim cotton

[dʒiːnz]

jeep

n

A small, sturdy motor vehicle with four-wheel drive, especially one used by the military.

[dʒiːp]

jeer

v

To laugh or shout insults at someone to show you have no respect for them.

[dʒɪr]

jeering

adj

Making rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice

[ˈdʒɪrɪŋ]

jeez

interj

An exclamation expressing annoyance, surprise, or disappointment.

[dʒiːz]

jefe

n

A leader or boss, especially in a political or military context in Spanish-speaking regions.

[ˈheɪfeɪ]

jeffersonian

adj

relating to or characteristic of thomas jefferson or his political principles, especially emphasizing democracy, agrarianism, and limited government.

[ˌdʒɛfərˈsoʊniən]

jejune

adj

(of ideas or writings) dry and uninteresting; lacking substance or significance

[dʒɪˈdʒuːn]

jell

v

(of a liquid or soft substance) to become firmer and more solid, like jelly.

[dʒel]

jellied

adj

having a soft, firm, semi-solid consistency like jelly

[ˈdʒelid]

jello

n

A sweet, soft, and wobbly dessert made from fruit-flavored gelatin.

[ˈdʒɛloʊ]

jelly

n

a soft, sweet, clear food made by cooking fruit juice with sugar, or a similar substance made from meat juices

[ˈdʒeli]

jelly-like

adj

having a soft, semi-solid, and somewhat elastic consistency similar to jelly.

[ˈdʒeliˌlaɪk]

jelly-roll

n

a type of thin sponge cake spread with jam or jelly and rolled up into a cylindrical shape.

[ˈdʒeli roʊl]

jellyfish

n

a sea animal with a soft, transparent body and long tentacles that can give a painful sting.

[ˈdʒel.i.fɪʃ]
English Words Starting with J – Page 1 | OpenEtymology