Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with J

Showing words 121240 of 407. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

jellyroll

n

a thin sheet of sponge cake spread with jelly and rolled up.

[ˈdʒɛlɪroʊl]

jeopardise

v

To put something in a situation where it can be lost, harmed, or destroyed; to endanger.

[ˈdʒepərdaɪz]

jeopardize

v

to put something such as a plan or system in danger of being harmed or damaged

[ˈdʒep.ɚ.daɪz]

jeopardy

n

danger of loss, harm, or failure

[ˈdʒepərdi]

jeremiad

n

a long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes.

[ˌdʒerəˈmaɪəd]

jerk

v

To make a short, sudden movement, or to cause something to move in this way.

[dʒɜːrk]

jerk-off

n

A foolish, annoying, or contemptible person.

[ˈdʒɜːrk ɔːf]

jerkily

adv

in a way that involves sudden, sharp, and often uncontrolled movements

[ˈdʒɝː.kɪ.li]

jerkin

n

a short, close-fitting jacket, often sleeveless, worn especially by men in the 16th and 17th centuries.

[ˈdʒɜːrkɪn]

jerking

adj

Making sudden, quick, and usually uncontrolled movements

[ˈdʒɜːrkɪŋ]

jerky

adj

Moving in sudden, sharp, and uneven ways; not smooth

[ˈdʒɝː.ki]

jerry-built

adj

Built cheaply, quickly, and badly, using poor-quality materials.

[ˈdʒɛri bɪlt]

jerry-rigged

adj

Made or put together in a crude or improvised manner from whatever materials are available.

[ˈdʒɛri rɪɡd]

jersey

n

a piece of clothing made of soft material, typically with long sleeves, worn on the upper body for sports or as casual wear.

[ˈdʒɜːrzi]

jessamine

n

A name for the common jasmine, especially the yellow-flowered species *Jasminum humile*.

[ˈdʒɛsəmɪn]

jest

n

A thing said or done for amusement; a joke.

[dʒest]

jester

n

a man in the past whose job was to tell jokes and make people laugh, especially for a king or queen

[ˈdʒestər]

jesting

adj

Speaking or acting in a joking or humorous way.

[ˈdʒestɪŋ]

Jesuit

n

A member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, known for its work in education, scholarship, and missionary activity.

[ˈdʒɛʒuɪt]

jet

n

an aircraft powered by one or more jet engines

[dʒet]

jet-black

adj

Of a very deep, glossy black color.

[ˌdʒet ˈblæk]

jet-engine

n

an engine that produces forward motion by forcing out a stream of hot air and gases backwards, especially one used to power an aircraft

[ˈdʒet ˌen.dʒɪn]

jet-lagged

adj

Feeling tired and slightly confused because you have travelled quickly by aircraft across several time zones.

[ˈdʒet læɡd]

jet-powered

adj

Using the thrust from one or more jet engines for power.

[ˈdʒet ˌpaʊərd]

jet-set

n

The international social group of wealthy people who travel frequently for pleasure

[ˈdʒet set]

jet-setting

adj

Describing a luxurious and glamorous lifestyle involving frequent travel by jet aircraft to fashionable places.

[ˈdʒet ˌset̬.ɪŋ]

jet-ski

n

A small vehicle like a motorcycle that is ridden on water and is powered by a jet of water forced out from the back.

[ˈdʒet skiː]

jetlag

n

The tired and confused feeling that people can experience after a long flight through different time zones.

[ˈdʒetlæɡ]

jetliner

n

a large passenger aircraft powered by jet engines.

[ˈdʒetˌlaɪ.nər]

jetsam

n

Goods thrown overboard from a ship to lighten it, especially in an emergency, which sink or are washed ashore.

[ˈdʒɛtsəm]

jettison

v

to throw goods, fuel, or equipment from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle in order to make it lighter in an emergency

[ˈdʒet̬.ə.sən]

jetty

n

A structure built out into the water to protect a harbor or coast from currents or tides or to provide a landing place for boats.

[ˈdʒɛdi]

jetway

n

A movable, enclosed bridge that connects an airport terminal gate to an airplane, allowing passengers to board and disembark without going outside.

[ˈdʒɛtˌweɪ]

Jew

n

A member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel to Abraham.

[dʒuː]

jewel

n

a precious stone, such as a diamond, ruby, or emerald

[ˈdʒuːəl]

jewel-encrusted

adj

decorated or covered with jewels or other precious ornaments.

[ˈdʒuːəl ɪnˈkrʌstɪd]

jewel-like

adj

resembling a jewel in brilliance, color, or delicacy.

[ˈdʒuːəl laɪk]

jewel-toned

adj

having a rich, deep, and often sparkling color like that of a gemstone.

[ˈdʒuːəl toʊnd]

jeweled

adj

decorated or set with jewels or similar ornaments.

[ˈdʒuːəld]

jeweler

n

a person or company that makes, sells, or repairs jewelry and watches.

[ˈdʒuːələr]

jewelled

adj

Decorated or set with jewels or similar sparkling objects.

[ˈdʒuːəld]

jeweller

n

a person or company that makes, sells, or repairs jewellery and watches.

[ˈdʒuːələr]

jewellery

n

decorative objects worn on the body, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets, often made from valuable metals and precious stones.

[ˈdʒuːəlri]

jewelry

n

decorative items (such as rings, necklaces, and earrings) that are worn on the body and are typically made from precious metals and gems.

[ˈdʒuːəlri]

jewelweed

n

a plant of the impatiens family, typically having orange or yellow flowers and seed pods that burst open when touched.

[ˈdʒuːəlwiːd]

jewess

n

A dated and often offensive term for a Jewish woman or girl.

[ˈdʒuːɪs]

Jewish

adj

Relating to, associated with, or characteristic of Jews or Judaism.

[ˈdʒuːɪʃ]

jewish-american

adj

Relating to or characteristic of American people of Jewish descent or heritage.

[ˈdʒuːɪʃ əˈmɛrɪkən]

jewish-arab

adj

Of or relating to both Jewish and Arab heritage, culture, or identity.

[ˈdʒuːɪʃ ˈɛrəb]

jewish-christian

adj

Relating to or having characteristics of both Judaism and Christianity, or their shared traditions and heritage.

[ˈdʒuːɪʃ ˈkrɪstʃən]

jewish-owned

adj

Owned by Jewish people or a Jewish person.

[ˈdʒuːɪʃ oʊnd]

jib

n

A triangular sail set forward of the mast.

[dʒɪb]

jibe

v

To make insulting or mocking remarks; to jeer.

[dʒaɪb]

jicama

n

the crisp, white-fleshed, edible tuber of a tropical american vine, eaten raw or cooked.

[ˈhiːkəmə]

jiffy

n

a very short period of time; a moment

[ˈdʒɪfi]

jig

n

a quick, lively dance with leaping movements

[dʒɪɡ]

jigger

n

A small measure for alcoholic spirits, typically holding 1.5 fluid ounces.

[ˈdʒɪɡər]

jigging

n

the action of dancing a jig, a lively folk dance.

[ˈdʒɪɡɪŋ]

jiggle

v

to move or cause to move with quick, short, jerky movements up and down or from side to side.

[ˈdʒɪɡl]

jiggling

v

(present participle) moving lightly and quickly from side to side or up and down

[ˈdʒɪɡlɪŋ]

jigsaw

n

A picture stuck onto wood or cardboard and cut into numerous interlocking pieces that form a puzzle when reassembled.

[ˈdʒɪɡ.sɑː]

jihad

n

A struggle or effort by Muslims to defend or spread their faith, which can be an internal spiritual struggle or an external physical one.

[dʒɪˈhɑːd]

jihadi

n

A person who engages in or supports jihad, especially as a militant or extremist.

[dʒɪˈhɑːdi]

jihadist

n

a person who believes in or participates in a jihad; especially a militant Islamic extremist advocating or engaging in violent jihad.

[dʒɪˈhɑːdɪst]

jillion

n

An extremely large, indefinite number or amount; a huge multitude.

[ˈdʒɪl.i.ən]

jilt

v

To suddenly end a romantic relationship with someone in an unkind way.

[dʒɪlt]

jilted

adj

Describing someone who has been suddenly rejected or abandoned by a lover or romantic partner.

[ˈdʒɪltɪd]

jimmies

n

Tiny rod-shaped sugar confectionery used as a topping, especially on ice cream or cupcakes, often in a variety of colors.

[ˈdʒɪmiz]

jingle

v

To make a light, ringing sound like small pieces of metal hitting together.

[ˈdʒɪŋɡl]

jingling

adj

Making a light, ringing sound like that of small bells or pieces of metal striking together.

[ˈdʒɪŋɡ(ə)lɪŋ]

jingoism

n

extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

[ˈdʒɪŋɡoʊɪzəm]

jingoistic

adj

characterized by extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

[ˌdʒɪŋɡoʊˈɪstɪk]

jinks

n

lively, playful, or mischievous activity; pranks or frolic.

[dʒɪŋks]

jinx

n

A person or thing that brings bad luck

[dʒɪŋks]

jitney

n

A small bus or car that carries passengers along a regular route for a low fare.

[ˈdʒɪtni]

jitterbug

n

a fast, acrobatic dance popular in the 1940s, performed especially to swing music.

[ˈdʒɪt̬ərbʌɡ]

jitters

n

A feeling of extreme nervousness or anxiety, often causing small, uncontrolled movements.

[ˈdʒɪt̬ərz]

jittery

adj

nervous or unable to relax

[ˈdʒɪtəri]

jive

n

a lively style of dance popular especially in the 1940s and 1950s, performed to swing music or rock and roll.

[dʒaɪv]

job

n

A paid position of regular employment.

[dʒɑːb]

job-approval

n

The act or process of formally authorizing or sanctioning a job, position, or employment action.

[ˈdʒɑːb əˌpruːvl̩]

job-creating

adj

Describing an activity, policy, or industry that generates new employment opportunities.

[ˈdʒɑːb kriˌeɪtɪŋ]

job-creation

n

The process of creating new jobs, especially by the government or within an economy.

[ˈdʒɑːb kriˌeɪʃən]

job-hunting

n

The activity of trying to find a job.

[ˈdʒɑːb ˌhʌntɪŋ]

job-placement

n

The act or process of finding a job for someone, especially as a service provided by an organization.

[ˈdʒɑːb ˌpleɪsmənt]

job-related

adj

Connected to or associated with one's employment or occupation.

[ˌdʒɑːb rɪˈleɪtɪd]

job-search

n

The activity of trying to find employment.

[ˈdʒɑːb sɜːrtʃ]

job-seeking

n

The activity of trying to find employment.

[ˈdʒɑːb ˌsiːkɪŋ]

job-training

n

Training that is given to someone to teach them the skills needed for a particular job or type of work.

[ˈdʒɑːb ˌtreɪnɪŋ]

jobless

adj

without a paid job; unemployed.

[ˈdʒɑːbləs]

joblessness

n

The state of being without a paid job; unemployment.

[ˈdʒɑːbləsnəs]

jock

n

A person who is very interested in and good at sports, especially at school or college.

[dʒɑːk]

jockey

n

a person whose job is riding horses in races

[ˈdʒɑːki]

jockeying

v

Competing with others in an intense or aggressive way to gain an advantage or a desired position.

[ˈdʒɑːkiɪŋ]

jockstrap

n

A support for the male genitals, consisting of a pouch and elastic straps, worn especially by athletes.

[ˈdʒɑːkstræp]

jocular

adj

characterized by joking or good humor; humorous or playful.

[ˈdʒɑːkjələr]

jocularity

n

The quality of being humorous or playful.

[ˌdʒɑːkjəˈlærəti]

jocularly

adv

In a humorous or playful manner.

[ˈdʒɑːkjələrli]

jocund

adj

cheerful and lighthearted.

[ˈdʒɑːkənd]

jodhpur

n

a type of ankle-length boot, originally worn for riding, that fits closely from the knee to the ankle and then has a flared cuff at the top.

[ˈdʒɑːdpər]

jog

v

to run at a slow, steady pace, especially for exercise

[dʒɑːɡ]

jogger

n

a person who runs at a slow, steady pace for exercise

[ˈdʒɑːɡər]

jogging

n

the activity of running at a slow, steady pace for exercise.

[ˈdʒɑːɡɪŋ]

joggle

v

To shake or move something slightly and repeatedly.

[ˈdʒɑːɡl]

johannine

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the Apostle John or the writings (especially the Gospel and Epistles) attributed to him.

[ˈdʒoʊəˌnaɪn]

john

n

A common first name for a male.

[dʒɑːn]

johnboat

n

A flat-bottomed boat, typically square-bowed and made of aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, used especially for fishing in calm, shallow waters.

[ˈdʒɑːnboʊt]

join

v

To connect or fasten things together.

[dʒɔɪn]

joined

v

Past tense and past participle of 'join'. To connect or fasten things together.

[dʒɔɪnd]

joiner

n

A person whose job is to make wooden window frames, doors, etc. by joining pieces of wood.

[ˈdʒɔɪnər]

joinery

n

The skill or work of a joiner; fine woodworking, especially the making of furniture and fittings by joining pieces of wood.

[ˈdʒɔɪnəri]

joining

n

The action or an instance of connecting or combining things together.

[ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ]

joint

n

A place where two or more parts of an object or structure are joined.

[dʒɔɪnt]

joint-stock

adj

Relating to or denoting a company whose stock is owned jointly by the shareholders.

[ˈdʒɔɪnt stɑːk]

jointly

adv

in a way that is done together with another person or group

[ˈdʒɔɪntli]

joist

n

A long, thick piece of wood, steel, or concrete used in building to support a floor or ceiling.

[dʒɔɪst]

jojoba

n

A shrub native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

[hoʊˈhoʊbə]

joke

n

something said or done to make people laugh, especially a funny story

[dʒoʊk]

joker

n

a person who likes to make jokes or play tricks

[ˈdʒoʊkər]

jokester

n

a person who enjoys telling jokes or playing tricks.

[ˈdʒoʊkstər]
English Words Starting with J – Page 2 | OpenEtymology