Jj
J , j /dʒe I / (J's, j's ) N‑VAR J is the tenth letter of the English alphabet.
jab /dʒæ b/ (jabs , jabbing , jabbed )
1 VERB If you jab one thing into another, you push it there with a quick, sudden movement and with a lot of force. □ [V n prep] He saw her jab her thumb on a red button–a panic button. □ [be V -ed + into ] A needle was jabbed into the baby's arm. □ [V + at ] Stern jabbed at me with his glasses. [Also V n at n]
2 N‑COUNT A jab is a sudden, sharp punch. □ He was simply too powerful for his opponent, rocking him with a steady supply of left jabs.
3 N‑COUNT A jab is an injection of something into your blood to prevent illness. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …painful anti malaria jabs.
jab|ber /dʒæ bə r / (jabbers , jabbering , jabbered ) VERB If you say that someone is jabbering , you mean that they are talking very quickly and excitedly, and you cannot understand them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] The girl jabbered incomprehensibly. □ [V P ] After a minute or two I left them there jabbering away.
jack /dʒæ k/ (jacks , jacking , jacked )
1 N‑COUNT A jack is a device for lifting a heavy object off the ground, for example a car.
2 N‑COUNT A jack is a playing card whose value is between a ten and a queen. A jack is usually represented by a picture of a young man.
3 → see also jack-of-all-trades , Union Jack
▸ jack up PHRASAL VERB If you jack up a heavy object such as a car, you raise it off the ground using a jack. □ [V P n] They jacked up the car. □ [V n P ] All I had to do was jack the car up and put on the spare.
jack|al /dʒæ kɔːl/ (jackals ) N‑COUNT A jackal is a wild animal that looks like a dog, has long legs and pointed ears, and lives in Africa and Southern Asia.
jack|boot /dʒæ kbuːt/ (jackboots )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jackboots are heavy boots that come up to the knee, such as the ones worn by some soldiers.
2 PHRASE If a country or group of people is under the jackboot , they are suffering because the government is cruel and undemocratic. [DISAPPROVAL ]
jack|daw /dʒæ kdɔː/ (jackdaws ) N‑COUNT A jackdaw is a large black and grey bird that is similar to a crow, and lives in Europe and Asia.
jack|et ◆◇◇ /dʒæ k I t/ (jackets )
1 N‑COUNT A jacket is a short coat with long sleeves. □ …a black leather jacket.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Potatoes baked in their jackets are baked with their skin on.
3 N‑COUNT The jacket of a book is the paper cover that protects the book. [mainly AM ]
4 N‑COUNT A record jacket is the cover in which a record is kept. [AM ] in BRIT, use sleeve 5 → see also bomber jacket , dinner jacket , flak jacket , hacking jacket , life jacket , sports jacket , straitjacket
ja ck|et po|ta |to (jacket potatoes ) N‑COUNT A jacket potato is a large potato that has been baked with its skin on. [BRIT ] in AM, use baked potato
ja ck-in-the-box (jack-in-the-boxes ) N‑COUNT A jack-in-the-box is a child's toy that consists of a box with a doll inside it that jumps out when the lid is opened.
ja ck-knife (jack-knifes , jack-knifing , jack-knifed ) also jackknife VERB If a truck that is in two parts jack-knifes , the back part swings around at a sharp angle to the front part in an uncontrolled way as the truck is moving. □ [V ] His vehicle jack-knifed, and crashed across all three lanes of the opposite carriageway.
ja ck-of-a ll-trades (jacks-of-all-trades ) also jack of all trades N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jack-of-all-trades , you mean that they are able to do a variety of different jobs. You are also often suggesting that they are not very good at any of these jobs.
jack|pot /dʒæ kpɒt/ (jackpots )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A jackpot is the most valuable prize in a game or lottery, especially when the game involves increasing the value of the prize until someone wins it. □ A nurse won the £5 million jackpot.
2 PHRASE If you hit the jackpot , you have a great success, for example by winning a lot of money or having a piece of good luck. [INFORMAL ]
Jaco|bean /dʒæ kəbiː ən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A Jacobean building, piece of furniture, or work of art was built or produced in Britain in the style of the period between 1603 and 1625.
Ja|cuz|zi /dʒəkuː zi/ (Jacuzzis ) N‑COUNT A Jacuzzi is a large circular bath which is fitted with a device that makes the water move around. [TRADEMARK ]
jade /dʒe I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Jade is a hard stone, usually green in colour, that is used for making jewellery and ornaments.
jad|ed /dʒe I d I d/ ADJ If you are jaded , you feel bored, tired, and not enthusiastic, for example because you have had too much of the same thing. □ We had both become jaded, disinterested, and disillusioned.
jag|ged /dʒæ g I d/ ADJ Something that is jagged has a rough, uneven shape or edge with lots of sharp points. □ …jagged black cliffs. □ A jagged scar runs through his lower lip.
jagu|ar /dʒæ gjuə r , [AM ] -gwɑːr/ (jaguars ) N‑COUNT A jaguar is a large animal of the cat family with dark spots on its back.
jail ◆◇◇ /dʒe I l/ (jails , jailing , jailed ) in BRIT, also use gaol 1 N‑VAR A jail is a place where criminals are kept in order to punish them, or where people waiting to be tried are kept. □ Three prisoners escaped from a jail.
2 VERB [usu passive] If someone is jailed , they are put into jail. □ [be V -ed] He was jailed for twenty years.
jail|bird /dʒe I lbɜː r d/ (jailbirds ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jailbird , you mean that they are in prison, or have been in prison. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]
jail|break /dʒe I lbre I k/ (jailbreaks ) N‑COUNT A jailbreak is an escape from jail.
jail|er /dʒe I lə r / (jailers ) in BRIT, also use gaoler N‑COUNT A jailer is a person who is in charge of a jail and the prisoners in it. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
jail|house /dʒe I lhaʊs/ (jailhouses ) N‑COUNT A jailhouse is a small prison. [AM ]
jala|peño /hæləpe I njoʊ/ (jalapeños ) N‑COUNT Jalapeños are small hot peppers which can be green or red when they are ripe. They are often used in Mexican cooking.
jam /dʒæ m/ (jams , jamming , jammed )
1 N‑VAR Jam is a thick sweet food that is made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar, and that is usually spread on bread. [mainly BRIT ] □ …home-made jam. in AM, usually use jelly 2 VERB If you jam something somewhere, you push or put it there roughly. □ [V n prep] He picked his cap up off the ground and jammed it on his head. □ [V n prep] Pete jammed his hands into his pockets.
3 VERB If something such as a part of a machine jams , or if something jams it, the part becomes fixed in position and is unable to move freely or work properly. □ [V ] The second time he fired his gun jammed. □ [V n] A rope jammed the boat's propeller. □ [V adj] Cracks appeared in the wall and a door jammed shut. □ [be V -ed] The intake valve was jammed open. □ [V -ed] Every few minutes the motor cut out as the machinery became jammed. [Also V n adj]
4 VERB If vehicles jam a road, there are so many of them that they cannot move. □ [V n] Hundreds of departing motorists jammed the roads. ● N‑COUNT Jam is also a noun. □ [+ for ] Trucks sat in a jam for ten hours waiting to cross the bridge. ● jammed ADJ □ [+ with ] Nearby roads and the dirt track to the beach were jammed with cars.
5 VERB If a lot of people jam a place, or jam into a place, they are pressed tightly together so that they can hardly move. □ [V n] Hundreds of people jammed the boardwalk to watch. □ [V + into ] They jammed into buses provided by the Red Cross and headed for safety. ● jammed ADJ □ The stadium was jammed and they had to turn away hundreds of disappointed fans.
6 VERB To jam a radio or electronic signal means to interfere with it and prevent it from being received or heard clearly. □ [V n] They will try to jam the transmissions electronically. ● jam|ming N‑UNCOUNT □ The plane is used for electronic jamming and radar detection.
7 VERB If callers are jamming phone lines, there are so many callers that the people answering the phones find it difficult to deal with them all. □ [V n] Hundreds of callers jammed the BBC switchboard for more than an hour.
8 VERB When jazz or rock musicians are jamming , they are informally playing music that has not been written down or planned in advance. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] He was jamming with his saxophone. ● N‑COUNT Jam is also a noun. □ …a jam session.
9 → see also traffic jam
Ja|mai|can /dʒəme I kən/ (Jamaicans )
1 ADJ Jamaican means belonging or relating to Jamaica or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Jamaican is a person who comes from Jamaica.
jamb /dʒæ m/ (jambs ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A jamb is a post that forms the side part or upright of a door frame or window frame.
jam|bo|ree /dʒæ mbəriː / (jamborees ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A jamboree is a party, celebration, or other gathering where there is a large number of people and a lot of excitement, fun, and enjoyment.
jam|my /dʒæ mi/ (jammier , jammiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as jammy , you mean that they are very lucky because something good has happened to them, without their making much effort or deserving such luck. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
ja m-pa cked ADJ If somewhere is jam-packed , it is so full of people or things that there is no room for any more. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ with ] His room was jam-packed with fruit, flowers, gifts etc.
Jan. Jan. is a written abbreviation for January .
jan|gle /dʒæ ŋg ə l/ (jangles , jangling , jangled )
1 VERB When objects strike against each other and make an unpleasant ringing noise, you can say that they jangle or are jangled . □ [V ] Her bead necklaces and bracelets jangled as she walked. □ [V n] Jane took out her keys and jangled them.
2 VERB If your nerves are jangling or if something jangles them, you are very anxious. □ [V ] Behind that quietness his nerves are jangling, he's in a terrible state. □ [V n] The caffeine in coffee can jangle the nerves.
jani|tor /dʒæ n I tə r / (janitors ) N‑COUNT A janitor is a person whose job is to look after a building. [mainly AM ]
Janu|ary /dʒæ njəri, [AM ] -jueri/ (Januaries ) N‑VAR January is the first month of the year in the Western calendar. □ We always have snow in January. □ She was born on January 6, 1946.
Japa|nese /dʒæ pəniː z/ (Japanese )
1 ADJ Japanese means belonging or relating to Japan, or to its people, language, or culture.
2 N‑PLURAL The Japanese are the people of Japan.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Japanese is the language spoken in Japan.
jape /dʒe I p/ (japes ) N‑COUNT A jape is a silly trick that you play on someone which is quite funny and which does not really involve upsetting them. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
jar /dʒɑː r / (jars , jarring , jarred )
1 N‑COUNT A jar is a glass container with a lid that is used for storing food. □ …yellow cucumbers in great glass jars.
2 N‑COUNT You can use jar to refer to a jar and its contents, or to the contents only. □ [+ of ] She opened up a glass jar of plums. □ [+ of ] …two jars of filter coffee.
3 VERB If something jars on you, you find it unpleasant, disturbing, or shocking. □ [V + on ] Sometimes a light remark jarred on her father. □ [V n] …televised congressional hearings that jarred the nation's faith in the presidency. □ [V ] You shouldn't have too many colours in a small space as the effect can jar. ● jar|ring ADJ □ In the context of this chapter, Dore's comments strike a jarring note.
4 VERB If an object jars , or if something jars it, the object moves with a fairly hard shaking movement. □ [V ] The ship jarred a little. □ [V n] The impact jarred his arm.
jar|gon /dʒɑː r gən/ N‑UNCOUNT You use jargon to refer to words and expressions that are used in special or technical ways by particular groups of people, often making the language difficult to understand. □ The manual is full of the jargon and slang of self-improvement courses.
jas|mine /dʒæ zm I n/ (jasmines ) N‑VAR Jasmine is a climbing plant which has small white or yellow flowers with a pleasant smell.
jaun|dice /dʒɔː nd I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Jaundice is an illness that makes your skin and eyes become yellow.
jaun|diced /dʒɔː nd I st/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a jaundiced view of something, they can see only the bad aspects of it. □ The financial markets are taking a jaundiced view of the Government's motives.
jaunt /dʒɔː nt/ (jaunts ) N‑COUNT A jaunt is a short journey which you go on for pleasure or excitement.
jaun|ty /dʒɔː nti/ (jauntier , jauntiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as jaunty , you mean that they are full of confidence and energy. □ …a jaunty little man. ● jaun|ti|ly /dʒɔː nt I li/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ He walked jauntily into the cafe. □ The Arsenal striker remains jauntily confident.
Java /dʒɑː və/ N‑UNCOUNT Java is a computer programming language. It is used especially in creating websites. [TRADEMARK ]
jave|lin /dʒæ vl I n/ (javelins )
1 N‑COUNT A javelin is a long spear that is used in sports competitions. Competitors try to throw the javelin as far as possible.
2 N‑SING You can refer to the competition in which the javelin is thrown as the javelin . □ He won the javelin gold medal last night.
jaw /dʒɔː / (jaws )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your jaw is the lower part of your face below your mouth. The movement of your jaw is sometimes considered to express a particular emotion. For example, if your jaw drops , you are very surprised. □ He thought for a moment, stroking his well-defined jaw.
2 N‑COUNT A person's or animal's jaws are the two bones in their head which their teeth are attached to. □ …a forest rodent with powerful jaws.
3 N‑PLURAL If you talk about the jaws of something unpleasant such as death or hell, you are referring to a dangerous or unpleasant situation. □ [+ of ] A family dog rescued a newborn boy from the jaws of death.
jaw|bone /dʒɔː boʊn/ (jawbones ) also jaw bone N‑COUNT A jawbone is the bone in the lower jaw of a person or animal.
ja w-dropping ADJ Something that is jaw-dropping is extremely surprising, impressive, or shocking. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □ One insider who has seen the report said it was pretty jaw-dropping stuff.
jaw|line /dʒɔː la I n/ (jawlines ) also jaw line N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your jawline is the part of your lower jaw which forms the outline of the bottom of your face. □ …high cheekbones and strong jawline.
jay /dʒe I / (jays )
1 N‑COUNT In Europe and Asia, a jay is a brownish-pink bird with blue and black wings.
2 N‑COUNT In North America, a jay is a bird with bright blue feathers.
jay|walk|ing /dʒe I wɔːk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Jaywalking is the act of walking across a street in a careless and dangerous way, or not at the proper place.
jazz ◆◇◇ /dʒæ z/ (jazzes , jazzing , jazzed ) N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Jazz is a style of music that was invented by African American musicians in the early part of the twentieth century. Jazz music has very strong rhythms and often involves improvisation. □ The pub has live jazz on Sundays.
▸ jazz up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you jazz something up , you make it look more interesting, colourful, or exciting. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Mary Ann had made an effort at jazzing up the chilly modern interiors. □ [V n P ] I don't think they're just jazzing it up for the media.
2 PHRASAL VERB If someone jazzes up a piece of music, they change it in order to make it sound more like popular music or jazz. □ [V n P ] Instead of playing it in the traditional style, she jazzed it up. □ [V P n] Stephen and I are going to jazz up the love songs.
jazzy /dʒæ zi/ (jazzier , jazziest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as jazzy , you mean that it is colourful and modern. □ …a jazzy tie.
jeal|ous /dʒe ləs/
1 ADJ If someone is jealous , they feel angry or bitter because they think that another person is trying to take a lover or friend, or a possession, away from them. □ She got insanely jealous and there was a terrible fight. ● jeal|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The formula is jealously guarded.
2 ADJ If you are jealous of another person's possessions or qualities, you feel angry or bitter because you do not have them. □ [+ of ] She was jealous of his wealth. □ You're jealous because the record company rejected your idea. ● jeal|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Gloria eyed them jealously.
jeal|ousy /dʒe ləsi/ (jealousies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Jealousy is the feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they think that another person is trying to take a lover or friend, or a possession, away from them. □ At first his jealousy only showed in small ways–he didn't mind me talking to other guys.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Jealousy is the feeling of anger or bitterness which someone has when they wish that they could have the qualities or possessions that another person has. □ Her beauty causes envy and jealousy.
jeans /dʒiː nz/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jeans are casual trousers that are usually made of strong blue cotton cloth called denim.
Jeep /dʒiː p/ (Jeeps ) N‑COUNT A Jeep is a type of car that can travel over rough ground. [TRADEMARK ] □ …a U.S. Army Jeep.
jeer /dʒ I ə r / (jeers , jeering , jeered )
1 VERB To jeer at someone means to say or shout rude and insulting things to them to show that you do not like or respect them. □ [V + at ] Marchers jeered at white passers-by, but there was no violence, nor any arrests. □ [V n] Demonstrators have jeered the mayor as he arrived for a week long visit. □ [V ] I didn't come here today to jeer: I want to give advice. □ [V -ing] …mobs of jeering bystanders. [Also V with quote] ● jeer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ from ] There was constant jeering and interruption from the floor.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jeers are rude and insulting things that people shout to show they do not like or respect someone. □ [+ of ] …the heckling and jeers of his audience.
Jeez /dʒi ːz/ also Jees EXCLAM Some people say Jeez when they are shocked or surprised about something, or to introduce a remark or response. Jeez is short for 'Jesus'. This use could cause offence. [INFORMAL ] □ Jeez, I wish they'd tell us what the hell is going on.
jeg|gings /dʒe g I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Jeggings are women’s leggings that are designed to look like tight jeans. □ Flats work fabulously with this season's jeggings and a longline vest.
Je|ho|vah /dʒ I hoʊ və/ N‑PROPER Jehovah is the name given to God in the Old Testament.
Je|ho |vah's Wi t|ness (Jehovah's Witnesses ) N‑COUNT A Jehovah's Witness is a member of a religious organization which accepts some Christian ideas and believes that the world is going to end very soon.
je|june /dʒ I dʒuː n/
1 ADJ If you describe something or someone as jejune , you are criticizing them for being very simple and unsophisticated. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ They were of great service in correcting my jejune generalizations.
2 ADJ If you describe something or someone as jejune , you mean they are dull and boring. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ We knew we were in for a pretty long, jejune evening.
jell /dʒe l/ → see gel
jel|lied /dʒe lid/ ADJ [ADJ n] Jellied food is prepared and eaten in a jelly. □ …jellied eels.
Je ll-O N‑UNCOUNT Jell-O is a transparent, usually coloured food that is eaten as a dessert. It is made from gelatine, fruit juice, and sugar. [AM , TRADEMARK ] in BRIT, use jelly
jel|ly /dʒe li/ (jellies )
1 N‑VAR Jelly is a transparent, usually coloured food that is eaten as a dessert. It is made from gelatine, fruit juice, and sugar. [BRIT ] □ …a large bowl of jelly. in AM, use Jell-O 2 N‑VAR Jelly is a thick sweet food that is made by cooking fruit with a large amount of sugar, and that is usually spread on bread. [AM ] □ I had two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. in BRIT, use jam 3 N‑VAR A jelly is a transparent substance that is not completely solid. □ …meat in jelly.
4 → see also royal jelly
je l|ly bean (jelly beans ) also jellybean N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jelly beans are small coloured sweets that are hard on the outside and soft inside.
jelly|fish /dʒe lif I ʃ/ (jellyfish ) N‑COUNT A jellyfish is a sea creature that has a clear soft body and can sting you.
je l|ly roll (jelly rolls ) N‑VAR Jelly roll is a cylindrical cake made from a thin, flat cake which is covered with jam or cream on one side, then rolled up. [AM ] in BRIT, use swiss roll
jeop|ard|ize /dʒe pə r da I z/ (jeopardizes , jeopardizing , jeopardized ) in BRIT, also use jeopardise VERB To jeopardize a situation or activity means to do something that may destroy it or cause it to fail. □ [V n] He has jeopardised the future of his government.
jeop|ardy /dʒe pə r di/ PHRASE If someone or something is in jeopardy , they are in a dangerous situation where they might fail, be lost, or be destroyed. □ A series of setbacks have put the whole project in jeopardy.
jerk /dʒɜː r k/ (jerks , jerking , jerked )
1 VERB If you jerk something or someone in a particular direction, or they jerk in a particular direction, they move a short distance very suddenly and quickly. □ [V adv/prep] Mr Griffin jerked forward in his chair. □ [V n adv/prep] 'This is Brady Coyne,' said Sam, jerking his head in my direction. □ [V n adj] Eleanor jerked her wrist free. ● N‑COUNT Jerk is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He indicated the bedroom with a jerk of his head.
2 N‑COUNT If you call someone a jerk , you are insulting them because you think they are stupid or you do not like them. [INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]
3 → see also knee-jerk
jer|kin /dʒɜː r k I n/ (jerkins ) N‑COUNT A jerkin is a sleeveless jacket worn by men or women. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
jerky /dʒɜː r ki/ (jerkier , jerkiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Jerky movements are very sudden and quick, and do not flow smoothly. □ Mr Griffin made a jerky gesture. ● jerki|ly /dʒɜː r k I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □ Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
jerry-built /dʒe rib I lt/ ADJ If you describe houses or blocks of flats as jerry-built , you are critical of the fact that they have been built very quickly and cheaply, without much care for safety or quality. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …jerry-built equipment. □ The place is a bit jerry-built.
jer|sey ◆◇◇ /dʒɜː r zi/ (jerseys )
1 N‑COUNT A jersey is a knitted piece of clothing that covers the upper part of your body and your arms and does not open at the front. Jerseys are usually worn over a shirt or blouse. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ His grey jersey and trousers were sodden with the rain.
2 N‑VAR [oft N n] Jersey is a knitted, slightly stretchy fabric used especially to make women's clothing. □ Sheila had come to dinner in a black jersey top.
Jer|sey (Jerseys ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A Jersey cow or a Jersey is a light brown cow that produces very creamy milk.
Je|ru|sa|lem ar|ti|choke /dʒəruː sələm ɑː r t I tʃoʊk/ (Jerusalem artichokes ) N‑VAR Jerusalem artichokes are small, yellowish-white vegetables that grow underground and look like potatoes.
jest /dʒe st/ (jests , jesting , jested )
1 N‑COUNT A jest is something that you say that is intended to be amusing. [FORMAL ] □ It was a jest rather than a reproach. ● PHRASE If you say something in jest , you do not mean it seriously, but want to be amusing. □ Don't say that, even in jest.
2 VERB If you jest , you tell jokes or say amusing things. [FORMAL ] □ [V + with] He enjoyed drinking and jesting with his cronies.
jest|er /dʒe stə r / (jesters ) N‑COUNT In the courts of kings and queens in medieval Europe, the jester was the person whose job was to do silly things in order to make people laugh.
Jesu|it /dʒe zju I t, [AM ] dʒe ʒu I t/ (Jesuits ) N‑COUNT A Jesuit is a Catholic priest who belongs to the Society of Jesus.
Jesus ◆◇◇ /dʒiː zəs/
1 N‑PROPER Jesus or Jesus Christ is the name of the man who Christians believe was the son of God, and whose teachings are the basis of Christianity.
2 EXCLAM Jesus is used by some people to express surprise, shock, or annoyance. This use could cause offence. [FEELINGS ]
jet ◆◇◇ /dʒe t/ (jets , jetting , jetted )
1 N‑COUNT [oft by N ] A jet is an aircraft that is powered by jet engines. □ Her private jet landed in the republic on the way to Japan. □ He had arrived from Jersey by jet.
2 → see also jump jet
3 VERB If you jet somewhere, you travel there in a fast plane. □ [V adv/prep] They will be jetting off on a two-week holiday in America.
4 N‑COUNT A jet of liquid or gas is a strong, fast, thin stream of it. □ [+ of ] A jet of water poured through the windows.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Jet is a hard black stone that is used in jewellery.
je t ai r|craft (jet aircraft ) N‑COUNT A jet aircraft is an aircraft that is powered by one or more jet engines.
je t bla ck also jet-black ADJ Something that is jet black is a very intense black. □ …jet-black hair.
je t e n|gine (jet engines ) N‑COUNT A jet engine is an engine in which hot air and gases are forced out at the back. Jet engines are used for most modern aircraft.
je t lag in BRIT, also use jetlag N‑UNCOUNT If you are suffering from jet lag , you feel tired and slightly confused after a long journey by aeroplane, especially after travelling between places that have a time difference of several hours.
je t-lagged ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is jet-lagged is suffering from jet lag. □ I'm still a little jet-lagged.
jet|liner /dʒe tla I nə r / (jetliners ) N‑COUNT A jetliner is a large aircraft, especially one which carries passengers. [AM ]
jet|sam /dʒe tsəm/ → see flotsam
je t set also jet-set N‑SING You can refer to rich and successful people who live in a luxurious way as the jet set . □ The winter sports bring the jet set from England.
je t-setting ADJ [ADJ n] You use jet-setting to describe people who are rich and successful and who have a luxurious lifestyle. □ …the international jet-setting elite.
je t ski (jet skis ) N‑COUNT A jet ski is a small machine like a motorcycle that is powered by a jet engine and can travel on the surface of water. [TRADEMARK ]
je t stream (jet streams ) N‑COUNT A jet stream is a very strong wind that blows high in the earth's atmosphere and has an important influence on the weather.
jet|ti|son /dʒe t I sən/ (jettisons , jettisoning , jettisoned )
1 VERB If you jettison something, for example an idea or a plan, you deliberately reject it or decide not to use it. □ [V n] The Government seems to have jettisoned the plan.
2 VERB To jettison something that is not needed or wanted means to throw it away or get rid of it. □ [V n] The crew jettisoned excess fuel and made an emergency landing.
jet|ty /dʒe ti/ (jetties ) N‑COUNT A jetty is a wide stone wall or wooden platform where boats stop to let people get on or off, or to load or unload goods.
Jew ◆◇◇ /dʒuː / (Jews ) N‑COUNT A Jew is a person who believes in and practises the religion of Judaism.
jew|el /dʒuː əl/ (jewels )
1 N‑COUNT A jewel is a precious stone used to decorate valuable things that you wear, such as rings or necklaces. □ …a golden box containing precious jewels.
2 → see also crown jewel
3 N‑COUNT If you describe something or someone as a jewel , you mean that they are better, more beautiful, or more special than other similar things or than other people. □ [+ of ] Walk down Castle Street and admire our little jewel of a cathedral.
4 PHRASE If you refer to an achievement or thing as the jewel in someone's crown , you mean that it is considered to be their greatest achievement or the thing they can be most proud of. □ [+ in ] His achievement is astonishing and this book is the jewel in his crown.
je w|el case (jewel cases )
1 N‑COUNT A jewel case is a box for keeping jewels in.
2 N‑COUNT A jewel case is the plastic box in which a compact disc is kept.
jew|elled /dʒuː əld/ in AM, use jeweled ADJ Jewelled items and ornaments are decorated with precious stones.
jew|el|ler /dʒuː ələ r / (jewellers ) in AM, use jeweler 1 N‑COUNT A jeweller is a person who makes, sells, and repairs jewellery and watches.
2 N‑COUNT A jeweller or a jeweller's is a shop where jewellery and watches are made, sold, and repaired.
jew|el|lery /dʒuː əlri/ in AM, use jewelry N‑UNCOUNT Jewellery is ornaments that people wear, for example rings, bracelets, and necklaces. It is often made of a valuable metal such as gold, and sometimes decorated with precious stones.
Jew|ish ◆◇◇ /dʒuː I ʃ/ ADJ Jewish means belonging or relating to the religion of Judaism or to Jews. □ …the Jewish festival of the Passover.
Jew|ish|ness /dʒuː I ʃnəs/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Someone's Jewishness is the fact that they are a Jew.
Jew|ry /dʒʊə ri, [AM ] dʒuː ri/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] Jewry is all the people, or all the people in a particular place, who believe in and practise the religion of Judaism. [FORMAL ] □ There could be no better way to strengthen the unity of world Jewry.
jib /dʒ I b/ (jibs , jibbing , jibbed )
1 N‑COUNT The jib is the small triangular sail that is sometimes used at the front of a sailing boat.
2 VERB If you jib at something, you are unwilling to do it or to accept it. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V + at ] …those who jib at the idea of selling their land. [Also V ]
jibe /dʒa I b/ (jibes , jibing , jibed ) The spelling gibe is also used for meanings 1 and 2 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A jibe is a rude or insulting remark about someone that is intended to make them look foolish. □ …a cheap jibe about his loss of hair.
2 VERB To jibe means to say something rude or insulting which is intended to make another person look foolish. [WRITTEN ] □ [V with quote] 'No doubt he'll give me the chance to fight him again,' he jibed, tongue in cheek.
3 VERB If numbers, statements, or events jibe , they are exactly the same as each other or they are consistent with each other. [mainly AM ] □ [V ] The numbers don't jibe. □ [V + with ] How did your expectations jibe with the reality?
jif|fy /dʒ I fi/ PHRASE If you say that you will do something in a jiffy , you mean that you will do it very quickly or very soon. [INFORMAL ]
jig /dʒ I g/ (jigs , jigging , jigged )
1 N‑COUNT A jig is a lively dance. □ She danced an Irish jig.
2 VERB To jig means to dance or move energetically, especially bouncing up and down. □ [V adv/prep] You didn't just jig about by yourself, I mean you danced properly. [Also V ]
jig|ger /dʒ I gə r / (jiggers ) N‑COUNT A jigger of a drink such as whisky or gin is the amount of it you are given when you order it in a bar. [mainly AM ] □ [+ of ] …a jigger of brandy.
jiggery-pokery /dʒ I gəripoʊ kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe behaviour as jiggery-pokery , you mean that it involves tricking people or being dishonest. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ It seems astonishing that Bond got away with so much jiggery-pokery for as long as he did.
jig|gle /dʒ I g ə l/ (jiggles , jiggling , jiggled )
1 VERB If you jiggle something, you move it quickly up and down or from side to side. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] He jiggled the doorknob noisily.
2 VERB To jiggle around means to move quickly up and down or from side to side. [INFORMAL ] □ [V adv] He tapped his feet, hummed tunes and jiggled about.
jig|saw /dʒ I gsɔː/ (jigsaws )
1 N‑COUNT A jigsaw or jigsaw puzzle is a picture on cardboard or wood that has been cut up into odd shapes. You have to make the picture again by putting the pieces together correctly.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can describe a complicated situation as a jigsaw . □ …the jigsaw of high-level diplomacy.
ji|had /dʒihæ d, [AM ] -hɑː d/ N‑SING A jihad is a holy war which Islam allows Muslims to fight against those who reject its teachings.
jilt /dʒ I lt/ (jilts , jilting , jilted ) VERB If someone is jilted , the person they are having a romantic relationship with suddenly ends the relationship in a surprising and upsetting way. [INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] She was jilted by her first fiancé. □ [V n] Driven to distraction, he murdered the woman who jilted him. [Also V n]
jin|gle /dʒ I ŋg ə l/ (jingles , jingling , jingled )
1 VERB When something jingles or when you jingle it, it makes a gentle ringing noise, like small bells. □ [V n] Brian put his hands in his pockets and jingled some change. □ [V ] Her bracelets jingled like bells. ● N‑SING Jingle is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the jingle of money in a man's pocket.
2 N‑COUNT A jingle is a short, simple tune, often with words, which is used to advertise a product or programme on radio or television. □ …advertising jingles.
jin|go|ism /dʒ I ŋgoʊ I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Jingoism is a strong and unreasonable belief in the superiority of your own country. [DISAPPROVAL ]
jin|go|is|tic /dʒ I ŋgoʊ I st I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Jingoistic behaviour shows a strong and unreasonable belief in the superiority of your own country. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The press continued its jingoistic display.
jink /dʒ I ŋk/ (jinks , jinking , jinked )
1 VERB To jink somewhere means to move there quickly in an irregular way, rather than by moving in a straight line. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] As they reached the start-finish line Prost jinked right and drew abreast. [Also V ]
2 → see also high jinks
jinx /dʒ I ŋks/ (jinxes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can call something or someone that is considered to be unlucky or to bring bad luck a jinx . □ He was beginning to think he was a jinx.
jinxed /dʒ I ŋkst/ ADJ If something is jinxed , it is considered to be unlucky or to bring bad luck.
jit|ters /dʒ I tə r z/ N‑PLURAL If you have the jitters , you feel extremely nervous, for example because you have to do something important or because you are expecting important news. [INFORMAL ] □ Officials feared that any public announcements would only increase market jitters.
jit|tery /dʒ I təri/ ADJ If someone is jittery , they feel nervous or are behaving nervously. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ about ] International investors have become jittery about the country's economy.
jive /dʒa I v/ (jives , jiving , jived )
1 VERB If you jive , you dance energetically, especially to rock and roll or swing music. [INFORMAL ] □ [V ] I learnt to jive there when they got the jukebox.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Jive is rock and roll or swing music that you jive to.
Jnr in AM, use Jr. Jnr is a written abbreviation for junior . It is used after a man's name to distinguish him from an older member of his family with the same name. [BRIT ]
job ◆◆◆ /dʒɒ b/ (jobs )
1 N‑COUNT A job is the work that someone does to earn money. □ Once I'm in America I can get a job. □ Thousands have lost their jobs. □ I felt the pressure of being the first woman in the job. □ …overseas job vacancies.
2 N‑COUNT [n N ] A job is a particular task. □ [+ of ] He said he hoped that the job of putting together a coalition wouldn't take too much time.
3 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] The job of a particular person or thing is their duty or function. □ Their main job is to preserve health rather than treat illness. □ Drinking a lot helps the kidneys do their job.
4 N‑SING [usu adj N ] If you say that someone is doing a good job , you mean that they are doing something well. In British English, you can also say that they are making a good job of something. □ [+ of ] We could do a far better job of managing it than they have.
5 N‑SING [usu N -ing, N to-inf] If you say that you have a job doing something, you are emphasizing how difficult it is. [EMPHASIS ] □ He may have a hard job selling that argument to investors.
6 → see also day job , hatchet job , jobbing , on-the-job
7 PHRASE If you refer to work as jobs for the boys , you mean that the work is unfairly given to someone's friends, supporters, or relations, even though they may not be the best qualified people to do it. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ]
8 PHRASE If you say that something is just the job , you mean that it is exactly what you wanted or needed. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [+ for ] Not only is it just the job for travelling, but it's handy for groceries too.
9 PHRASE If someone is on the job , they are actually doing a particular job or task. □ The top pay scale after five years on the job would reach $5.00 an hour.
10 it's a good job → see good
11 the job in hand → see hand ➊
job|bing /dʒɒ b I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A jobbing worker does not work for someone on a regular basis, but does particular jobs when they are asked to. [BRIT ] □ …a jobbing builder.
jo b cen|tre (job centres ) also Jobcentre N‑COUNT In Britain, a job centre is a place where people who are looking for work can go to get advice on finding a job, and to look at advertisements placed by people who are looking for new employees.
jo b de|scrip|tion (job descriptions ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A job description is a written account of all the duties and responsibilities involved in a particular job or position.
job|less /dʒɒ bləs/ ADJ Someone who is jobless does not have a job, although they would like one. ● N‑PLURAL The jobless are people who are jobless. □ They joined the ranks of the jobless. ● job|less|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Concern over the rising level of joblessness was a feature of yesterday's debate.
jo b lo t (job lots ) N‑COUNT A job lot is a number of cheap things of low quality which are sold together, for example in auctions or second-hand shops.
jo b sa t|is|fa c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Job satisfaction is the pleasure that you get from doing your job. □ I doubt I'll ever get rich, but I get job satisfaction.
jo b seek|er (job seekers ) N‑COUNT A job seeker is an unemployed person who is trying to get a job.
jo b share (job shares , job sharing , job shared ) VERB If two people job share , they share the same job by working part-time, for example one person working in the mornings and the other in the afternoons. □ [V ] They both want to job share. ● N‑COUNT Job share is also a noun. □ She works in a bank job share. ● job shar|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Part-time work and job sharing will become commonplace.
jobs|worth /dʒɒ bzwɜː r θ/ (jobsworths ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a jobsworth , you are criticizing them for using the rules connected to their job as an excuse not to be helpful. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ A surly jobsworth alerted security.
jock /dʒɒ k/ (jocks ) N‑COUNT A jock is a young man who is enthusiastic about a particular sport and spends a lot of time playing it. [INFORMAL ] □ …an all-American football jock.
jock|ey /dʒɒ ki/ (jockeys , jockeying , jockeyed )
1 N‑COUNT A jockey is someone who rides a horse in a race.
2 VERB If you say that someone is jockeying for something, you mean that they are using whatever methods they can in order to get it or do it before their competitors can get it or do it. □ [V + for ] The rival political parties are already jockeying for power. □ [V to-inf] Already, both sides are jockeying to belittle the other side. ● PHRASE If someone is jockeying for position , they are using whatever methods they can in order to get into a better position than their rivals.
jo ck|ey shorts N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jockey shorts are a type of men's underpants. [TRADEMARK ]
jock|strap /dʒɒ kstræp/ (jockstraps ) N‑COUNT A jockstrap is a piece of underwear worn by sportsmen to support their genitals.
jocu|lar /dʒɒ kjʊlə r / ADJ If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh. [FORMAL ] □ He was in a less jocular mood than usual.
jodh|purs /dʒɒ dpə r z/ The form jodhpur is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Jodhpurs are trousers that people wear when they ride a horse. Jodhpurs are usually loose above the knee and tight below the knee.
jog /dʒɒ g/ (jogs , jogging , jogged )
1 VERB If you jog , you run slowly, often as a form of exercise. □ [V ] I got up early the next morning to jog. ● N‑COUNT Jog is also a noun. □ He went for another early morning jog. ● jog|ging N‑UNCOUNT □ It isn't the walking and jogging that got his weight down.
2 VERB If you jog something, you push or bump it slightly so that it moves. □ [V n] Avoid jogging the camera.
3 PHRASE If something or someone jogs your memory , they cause you to suddenly remember something that you had forgotten. □ Police have planned a reconstruction of the crime in the hope this will jog the memory of passers-by.
jog|ger /dʒɒ gə r / (joggers ) N‑COUNT A jogger is a person who jogs as a form of exercise.
joie de vi|vre /ʒwɑː də viː vrə/ N‑UNCOUNT Joie de vivre is a feeling of happiness and enjoyment of life. [LITERARY ] □ He has plenty of joie de vivre.
join ◆◆◆ /dʒɔ I n/ (joins , joining , joined )
1 VERB If one person or vehicle joins another, they move or go to the same place, for example so that both of them can do something together. □ [V n] His wife and children moved to join him in their new home.
2 VERB If you join an organization, you become a member of it or start work as an employee of it. □ [V n] He joined the Army five years ago.
3 VERB If you join an activity that other people are doing, you take part in it or become involved with it. □ [V n] Telephone operators joined the strike. □ [V n + in ] The pastor requested the women present to join him in prayer. □ [V + in ] Private contractors joined in condemning the Government's stance.
4 VERB If you join a queue, you stand at the end of it so that you are part of it. □ [V n] Make sure you join the queue inside the bank.
5 VERB To join two things means to fix or fasten them together. □ [V n] The opened link is used to join the two ends of the chain. □ [V n prep/adv] …the conjunctiva, the skin which joins the eye to the lid.
6 VERB If something such as a line or path joins two things, it connects them. □ [V n] It has a dormer roof joining both gable ends. □ [V -ing] …a global highway of cables joining all the continents together.
7 VERB If two roads or rivers join , they meet or come together at a particular point. □ [V n] Do you know the highway to Tulsa? The airport road joins it. □ [V ] …Allahabad, where the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers join.
8 N‑COUNT A join is a place where two things are fastened or fixed together.
9 to join forces → see force
10 to join the ranks → see rank
▸ join in PHRASAL VERB If you join in an activity, you take part in it or become involved in it. □ [V P n] I hope that everyone will be able to join in the fun. □ [V P ] He started to sing and I joined in.
▸ join up
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone joins up , they become a member of the army, the navy, or the air force. □ [V P ] When hostilities broke out he returned to England and joined up.
2 PHRASAL VERB If one person or organization joins up with another, they start doing something together. □ [V P + with ] Councils are joining up with their European counterparts. □ [V P + in ] They began to join up in communities. COLLOCATIONS join VERB 2
join + noun : club, group, party, union; squad, team; board, company, firm
joi ned-u p
1 ADJ [ADJ n] In joined-up writing, you join all the letters in each word together, without taking your pen off the paper. This sort of writing is used by older children and adults.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Journalists sometimes use joined-up to describe plans, ideas, or organizations which seem sensible, sophisticated, and mature, especially when they think that they have been unsophisticated or immature in the past. [APPROVAL ] □ …another step towards joined-up government.
join|er /dʒɔ I nə r / (joiners ) N‑COUNT A joiner is a person who makes wooden window frames, door frames, doors, and cupboards. [mainly BRIT ]
join|ery /dʒɔ I nəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Joinery is the skill and work of a joiner. [mainly BRIT ]
joint ◆◆◇ /dʒɔ I nt/ (joints )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Joint means shared by or belonging to two or more people. □ She and Frank had never gotten around to opening a joint account. ● joint|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The Port Authority is an agency jointly run by New York and New Jersey.
2 N‑COUNT A joint is a part of your body such as your elbow or knee where two bones meet and are able to move together. □ Her joints ache if she exercises.
3 N‑COUNT A joint is the place where two things are fastened or fixed together.
4 N‑COUNT A joint is a fairly large piece of meat which is suitable for roasting. [BRIT ] □ [+ of ] He carved the joint of lamb. in AM, use roast 5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a cheap place where people go for some form of entertainment as a joint . [INFORMAL ] □ …a hamburger joint.
6 N‑COUNT A joint is a cigarette which contains cannabis or marijuana. [INFORMAL ]
7 PHRASE If something puts someone's nose out of joint , it upsets or offends them because it makes them feel less important or less valued. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ by ] Barry had his nose put out of joint by Lucy's aloof sophistication. COLLOCATIONS joint NOUN 6
noun + joint : burger, hamburger, fast food, pizza SYNONYMS joint ADJ 1
shared: Most hostel tenants would prefer single to shared rooms.
mutual: The East and the West can work together for their mutual benefit and progress.
common: Moldavians and Romanians share a common language.
combined: This was due to the combined efforts of these two organisations.
concerted: It's time for concerted action by world leaders.
joint|ed /dʒɔ I nt I d/
1 ADJ Something that is jointed has joints that move. □ The glass cover for this is cleverly jointed in the middle.
2 ADJ A jointed chicken or other bird has been cut into pieces so that it is ready to cook. [BRIT ]
joi nt-sto ck company (joint-stock companies ) N‑COUNT A joint-stock company is a company that is owned by the people who have bought shares in that company. [BUSINESS ]
joi nt ve n|ture (joint ventures ) N‑COUNT A joint venture is a business or project in which two or more companies or individuals have invested, with the intention of working together. [BUSINESS ] □ It will be sold to a joint venture created by Dow Jones and Westinghouse Broadcasting.
joist /dʒɔ I st/ (joists ) N‑COUNT Joists are long thick pieces of metal, wood, or concrete that form part of the structure of a building, usually to support a floor or ceiling.
jo|jo|ba /hoʊ hoʊ bə/ N‑UNCOUNT Jojoba or jojoba oil is made from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is used in many cosmetics such as shampoos.
joke ◆◇◇ /dʒoʊ k/ (jokes , joking , joked )
1 N‑COUNT A joke is something that is said or done to make you laugh, for example a funny story. □ [+ about ] He debated whether to make a joke about shooting rabbits, but decided against it. □ No one told worse jokes than Claus.
2 VERB If you joke , you tell funny stories or say amusing things. □ [V + about ] She would joke about her appearance. □ [V + with ] Lorna was laughing and joking with Trevor. □ [V that] The project was taking so long that Stephen joked that it would never be finished. □ [V with quote] 'Well, a beautiful spring Thursday would probably be a nice day to be buried on,' Nancy joked.
3 N‑COUNT A joke is something untrue that you tell another person in order to amuse yourself. □ It was probably just a joke to them, but it wasn't funny to me.
4 VERB If you joke , you tell someone something that is not true in order to amuse yourself. □ [V ] Don't get defensive, Charlie. I was only joking. □ [V with quote] 'I wish you made as much fuss of me,' Vera joked.
5 N‑SING If you say that something or someone is a joke , you think they are ridiculous and do not deserve respect. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ It's ridiculous, it's pathetic, it's a joke.
6 PHRASE If you say that an annoying or worrying situation is beyond a joke , you are emphasizing that it is worse than you think is fair or reasonable. [BRIT , EMPHASIS ] □ I'm not afraid of a fair fight but this is beginning to get beyond a joke.
7 PHRASE If you make a joke of something, you laugh at it even though it is in fact rather serious or sad. □ I wish I had your courage, Michael, to make a joke of it like that.
8 PHRASE If you describe a situation as no joke , you are emphasizing that it is very difficult or unpleasant. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ Two hours on a bus is no joke, is it?
9 PHRASE If you say that the joke is on a particular person, you mean that they have been made to look very foolish by something. □ 'For once,' he said, 'the joke's on me. And it's not very funny.'
10 PHRASE If you say that someone cannot take a joke , you are criticizing them for getting upset or angry at something you think is funny. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ 'What's the matter with you, Simon?' Curly said. 'Can't you take a joke?'
11 CONVENTION You say you're joking or you must be joking to someone when they have just told you something that is so surprising or unreasonable that you find it difficult to believe. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □ One hundred and forty quid for a pair of headphones, you've got to be joking!
jok|er /dʒoʊ kə r / (jokers )
1 N‑COUNT Someone who is a joker likes making jokes or doing amusing things. □ He is, by nature, a joker, a witty man with a sense of fun.
2 N‑COUNT The joker in a pack of playing cards is the card which does not belong to any of the four suits.
3 N‑COUNT You can call someone a joker if you think they are behaving in a stupid or dangerous way. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ Keep your eye on these jokers, you never know what they will come up with.
4 PHRASE If you describe someone or something as the joker in the pack , you mean that they are different from the other people or things in their group, and can be unpredictable.
jok|ey /dʒoʊ ki/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone behaves in a jokey way, they do things in a way that is intended to be amusing, rather than serious. [INFORMAL ] □ Bruno has not got his younger brother's jokey manner.
jok|ing|ly /dʒoʊ k I ŋli/ ADV [ADV with v] If you say or do something jokingly , you say or do it with the intention of amusing someone, rather than with any serious meaning or intention. □ Sarah jokingly called her 'my monster'.
jol|lity /dʒɒ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Jollity is cheerful behaviour. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [+ of ] …the singing and jollity of the celebration.
jol|ly /dʒɒ li/ (jollier , jolliest )
1 ADJ Someone who is jolly is happy and cheerful in their appearance or behaviour. □ She was a jolly, kindhearted woman.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A jolly event is lively and enjoyable. □ She had a very jolly time in Korea.
3 ADV [ADV adj/adv] Jolly is sometimes used to emphasize an adjective or adverb. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □ It was jolly hard work, but I loved it.
jolt /dʒoʊ lt/ (jolts , jolting , jolted )
1 VERB If something jolts or if something jolts it, it moves suddenly and quite violently. □ [V ] The wagon jolted again. □ [V prep] The train jolted into motion. □ [V n] They were working frantically in the fear that an aftershock would jolt the house again. ● N‑COUNT Jolt is also a noun. □ We were worried that one tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
2 VERB If something jolts someone, it gives them an unpleasant surprise or shock. □ [V n] A stinging slap across the face jolted her. [Also V n prep, V n adj] ● N‑COUNT Jolt is also a noun. □ The campaign came at a time when America needed such a jolt.
Joneses /dʒoʊ nz I z/ also Jones PHRASE If you say that someone is keeping up with the Joneses , you mean that they are doing something in order to show that they have as much money as other people, rather than because they really want to do it. □ Many people were holding down three jobs just to keep up with the Joneses.
Jor|da|nian /dʒɔː r de I niən/ (Jordanians )
1 ADJ Jordanian means belonging or relating to the country of Jordan, or to its people or culture.
2 N‑COUNT A Jordanian is a Jordanian citizen, or a person of Jordanian origin.
joss stick /dʒɒ s st I k/ (joss sticks ) N‑COUNT A joss stick is a thin stick covered with a substance that burns very slowly and smells pleasant.
jos|tle /dʒɒ s ə l/ (jostles , jostling , jostled )
1 VERB If people jostle you, they bump against you or push you in a way that annoys you, usually because you are in a crowd and they are trying to get past you. □ [V n] You get 2,000 people jostling each other and bumping into furniture. □ [V prep/adv] We spent an hour jostling with the crowds as we did our shopping. □ [V to-inf] She was cheered and clapped by tourists who jostled to see her. [Also V n prep/adv]
2 VERB If people or things are jostling for something such as attention or a reward, they are competing with other people or things in order to get it. □ [V + for ] …the contenders who have been jostling for the top job.
jot /dʒɒ t/ (jots , jotting , jotted )
1 VERB If you jot something short such as an address somewhere, you write it down so that you will remember it. □ [V n prep/adv] Could you just jot his name on there. ● PHRASAL VERB Jot down means the same as jot . □ [V P n] Keep a pad handy to jot down queries as they occur. □ [V n P ] Listen carefully to the instructions and jot them down.
2 QUANT If you say that there is not a jot or not one jot of something, you are emphasizing that there is not even a very small amount of it. [OLD-FASHIONED , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] There is not a jot of evidence to say it does them any good. □ [+ of ] It makes not one jot of difference.
jot|ting /dʒɒ t I ŋ/ (jottings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Jottings are brief, informal notes that you write down.
joule /dʒuː l/ (joules ) N‑COUNT In physics, a joule is a unit of energy or work. [TECHNICAL ]
jour|nal ◆◆◇ /dʒɜː r n ə l/ (journals )
1 N‑COUNT A journal is a magazine, especially one that deals with a specialized subject. □ All our results are published in scientific journals.
2 N‑COUNT A journal is a daily or weekly newspaper. The word journal is often used in the name of the paper. □ He was a newspaperman for The New York Times and some other journals.
3 N‑COUNT A journal is an account which you write of your daily activities. □ Sara confided to her journal.
jour|nal|ism /dʒɜː r nəl I zəm/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Journalism is the job of collecting news and writing about it for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. □ He began a career in journalism, working for the North London Press Group.
2 → see also chequebook journalism
jour|nal|ist ◆◆◇ /dʒɜː r nəl I st/ (journalists ) N‑COUNT A journalist is a person whose job is to collect news and write about it for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. SYNONYMS journalist NOUN
reporter: …a trainee sports reporter
correspondent: …our Diplomatic Correspondent, Mark Brayne.
columnist: Clarence Page is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
hack: …tabloid hacks, always eager to find victims in order to sell newspapers.
jour|nal|is|tic /dʒɜː r nəl I st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Journalistic means relating to journalism, or produced by or typical of a journalist. □ He began his journalistic career in the early eighties in Australia.
jour|ney ◆◇◇ /dʒɜː r ni/ (journeys , journeying , journeyed )
1 N‑COUNT When you make a journey , you travel from one place to another. □ [+ to ] There is an express service from Paris which completes the journey to Bordeaux in under 4 hours.
2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a person's experience of changing or developing from one state of mind to another as a journey . □ [+ of ] My films try to describe a journey of discovery, both for myself and the watcher.
3 VERB If you journey somewhere, you travel there. [FORMAL ] □ [V + to ] In February 1935, Naomi journeyed to the United States for the first time. □ [V prep/adv] She has journeyed on horseback through Africa and Turkey. SYNONYMS journey NOUN 1
trip: On the Thursday we went out on a day trip.
tour: It was week five of my tour of the major cities of Europe.
excursion: In Bermuda, Sam's father took him on an excursion to a coral barrier.
expedition: …Byrd's 1928 expedition to Antarctica.
travels: He also collects things for the house on his travels abroad.
journey|man /dʒɜː r nimən/ (journeymen ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] If you refer to someone as a journeyman , you mean that they have the basic skill which their job requires, but are not very talented or original. [JOURNALISM ] □ Douglas was a 29-year-old journeyman fighter, erratic in his previous fights.
joust /dʒaʊ st/ (jousts , jousting , jousted )
1 VERB When two or more people or organizations joust , they compete to see who is better. [LITERARY ] □ [V ] …lawyers joust in the courtroom. □ [V + with ] The oil company jousts with Esso for lead position in U.K. sales.
2 VERB In medieval times, when two knights on horseback jousted , they fought against each other using long spears called lances. □ [V ] Knights joust and frolic. [Also + V with ] ● joust|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …medieval jousting tournaments.
jo|vial /dʒoʊ viəl/ ADJ If you describe a person as jovial , you mean that they are happy and behave in a cheerful way. [WRITTEN ] □ Father Whittaker appeared to be in a jovial mood. ● jo|vi|al|ity /dʒoʊ viæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …his old expansive joviality. ● jo|vi|al|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'No problem,' he said jovially.
jowl /dʒaʊ l/ (jowls )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to someone's lower cheeks as their jowls , especially when they hang down towards their jaw. [LITERARY ]
2 PHRASE If you say that people or things are cheek by jowl with each other, you are indicating that they are very close to each other. □ [+ with ] She and her family have to live cheek by jowl with these people.
jowly /dʒaʊ li/ ADJ Someone who is jowly has fat cheeks which hang down towards their jaw.
joy ◆◇◇ /dʒɔ I / (joys )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Joy is a feeling of great happiness. □ Salter shouted with joy. □ …tears of joy.
2 N‑COUNT A joy is something or someone that makes you feel happy or gives you great pleasure. □ [+ of ] One of the joys of being alone is the freedom to do exactly as you choose.
3 N‑UNCOUNT If you get no joy , you do not have success or luck in achieving what you are trying to do. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [+ from ] They expect no joy from the vote itself.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone is jumping for joy , you mean that they are very pleased or happy about something. □ He jumped for joy on being told the news.
5 one's pride and joy → see pride SYNONYMS joy NOUN 1
delight: To my great delight, it worked perfectly.
happiness: I think mostly she was looking for happiness.
ecstasy: …the agony and ecstasy of holiday romance.
bliss: It was a scene of such domestic bliss.
euphoria: There was euphoria after the elections.
joy|ful /dʒɔ I fʊl/
1 ADJ Something that is joyful causes happiness and pleasure. [FORMAL ] □ A wedding is a joyful celebration of love.
2 ADJ Someone who is joyful is extremely happy. [FORMAL ] □ We're a very joyful people; we're very musical people and we love music. ● joy|ful|ly ADV □ They greeted him joyfully.
joy|less /dʒɔ I ləs/ ADJ Something that is joyless produces no happiness or pleasure. [FORMAL ] □ Life seemed joyless. □ Eating in East Berlin used to be a hazardous and joyless experience.
joy|ous /dʒɔ I əs/ ADJ Joyous means extremely happy. [LITERARY ] □ She had made their childhood so joyous and carefree. ● joy|ous|ly ADV □ Sarah accepted joyously.
joy|ride /dʒɔ I ra I d/ (joyrides ) also joy ride N‑COUNT If someone goes on a joyride , they steal a car and drive around in it at high speed.
joy|rider /dʒɔ I ra I də r / (joyriders ) also joy rider N‑COUNT A joyrider is someone who steals cars in order to drive around in them at high speed.
joy|rid|ing /dʒɔ I ra I d I ŋ/ also joy riding N‑UNCOUNT Joyriding is the crime of stealing a car and driving around in it at high speed.
joy|stick /dʒɔ I st I k/ (joysticks )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In some computer games, the joystick is the lever which the player uses in order to control the direction of the things on the screen.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] In an aircraft, the joystick is the lever which the pilot uses to control the direction and height of the aeroplane.
JP /dʒe I piː / (JPs ) N‑COUNT A JP is a Justice of the Peace .
JPEG /dʒe I peg/ (JPEGs ) also Jpeg N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] JPEG is a standard file format for compressing pictures so they can be stored or sent by email more easily. JPEG is an abbreviation for 'Joint Photographic Experts Group'. [COMPUTING ] □ …JPEG images. ● N‑COUNT A JPEG is a JPEG file or picture. □ …downloaded JPEGs.
Jr in AM, use Jr. Jr is a written abbreviation for junior . It is used after a man's name to distinguish him from an older member of his family with the same name. □ …Harry Connick Jr.
ju|bi|lant /dʒuː b I lənt/ ADJ If you are jubilant , you feel extremely happy because of a success. □ Ferdinand was jubilant after making an impressive comeback from a month on the injured list.
ju|bi|la|tion /dʒuː b I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Jubilation is a feeling of great happiness and pleasure, because of a success. [FORMAL ] □ His resignation was greeted by jubilation on the streets of Sofia.
ju|bi|lee /dʒuː b I liː/ (jubilees )
1 N‑COUNT A jubilee is a special anniversary of an event, especially the 25th or 50th anniversary. □ …Queen Victoria's jubilee.
2 → see also golden jubilee , silver jubilee
Ju|da|ic /dʒuːde I I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Judaic means belonging or relating to Judaism. [FORMAL ]
Ju|da|ism /dʒuː de I I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. It is based on the Old Testament of the Bible and the Talmud.
Judas /dʒuː dəs/ (Judases ) N‑COUNT If you accuse someone of being a Judas , you are accusing them of being deceitful and betraying their friends or country. [DISAPPROVAL ]
jud|der /dʒʌ də r / (judders , juddering , juddered ) VERB If something judders , it shakes or vibrates violently. [BRIT ] □ [V ] The lift started off, juddered, and went out of action.
judge ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ dʒ/ (judges , judging , judged )
1 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A judge is the person in a court of law who decides how the law should be applied, for example how criminals should be punished. □ The judge adjourned the hearing until next Tuesday. □ Judge Mr Justice Schiemann jailed him for life.
2 N‑COUNT A judge is a person who decides who will be the winner of a competition. □ A panel of judges is now selecting the finalists.
3 VERB If you judge something such as a competition, you decide who or what is the winner. □ [V n] Colin Mitchell will judge the entries each week. □ [V ] A grade B judge could only be allowed to judge alongside a qualified grade A judge. ● judg|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The judging was difficult as always.
4 VERB If you judge something or someone, you form an opinion about them after you have examined the evidence or thought carefully about them. □ [V n] It will take a few more years to judge the impact of these ideas. □ [V n + on ] I am ready to judge any book on its merits. □ [V wh] It's for other people to judge how much I have improved. □ [V n adj] The U.N. withdrew its relief personnel because it judged the situation too dangerous. □ [V n to-inf] I judged it to be one of the worst programmes ever screened. □ [V that] The doctor judged that the man's health had, up to the time of the wound, been good.
5 VERB If you judge something, you guess its amount, size, or value or you guess what it is. □ [V n] It is important to judge the weight of your washing load correctly. □ [V n to-inf] I judged him to be about forty. □ [V wh] Though the shoreline could be dimly seen, it was impossible to judge how far away it was.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone is a good judge of something, they understand it and can make sensible decisions about it. If someone is a bad judge of something, they cannot do this. □ [+ of ] I'm a pretty good judge of character.
7 PHRASE You use judging by , judging from , or to judge from to introduce the reasons why you believe or think something. □ [+ by ] Judging by the opinion polls, he seems to be succeeding. □ [+ from ] Judging from the way he laughed as he told it, it was meant to be humorous.
8 PHRASE If you say that something is true as far as you can judge or so far as you can judge , you are assuming that it is true, although you do not know all the facts about it. □ The book, so far as I can judge, is remarkably accurate.
judg|ment ◆◇◇ /dʒʌ dʒmənt/ (judgments ) in BRIT, also use judgement 1 N‑VAR A judgment is an opinion that you have or express after thinking carefully about something. □ In your judgment, what has changed over the past few years? □ [+ on ] I don't really want to make any judgments on the decisions they made.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Judgment is the ability to make sensible guesses about a situation or sensible decisions about what to do. □ I respect his judgement and I'll follow any advice he gives me.
3 N‑VAR A judgment is a decision made by a judge or by a court of law. □ The industry was awaiting a judgment from the European Court.
4 PHRASE If something is against your better judgment , you believe that it would be more sensible or better not to do it. □ Against my better judgement I agreed.
5 PHRASE If you pass judgment on someone or something, you give your opinion about it, especially if you are making a criticism. □ It's not for me to pass judgement, it's a personal matter between the two of you.
6 PHRASE If you reserve judgment on something, you refuse to give an opinion about it until you know more about it. □ [+ on ] Doctors are reserving judgement on his ability to travel until later in the week.
7 PHRASE To sit in judgment means to decide whether or not someone is guilty of doing something wrong. □ He argues very strongly that none of us has the right to sit in judgement. SYNONYMS judgment NOUN
1
opinion: Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.
view: I take the view that she should be stopped as soon as possible.
belief: It is our belief that improvements in health care will lead to a stronger economy.
conviction: It is our firm conviction that a step forward has been taken.
3
verdict: The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
finding: The government hopes the court will announce its findings before the end of the month.
ruling: Goodwin tried to have the court ruling overturned.
decision: A decision was taken to discipline Marshall.
judg|men|tal /dʒʌdʒme nt ə l/ in BRIT, also use judgemental ADJ If you say that someone is judgmental , you are critical of them because they form opinions of people and situations very quickly, when it would be better for them to wait until they know more about the person or situation. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I'm trying to be less judgmental.
ju dg|ment call (judgment calls ) in BRIT, also use judgement call N‑COUNT If you refer to a decision as a judgment call , you mean that there are no firm rules or principles that can help you make it, so you simply have to rely on your own judgement and instinct. □ Well, physicians make judgment calls every day.
ju|di|cial /dʒuːd I ʃ ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Judicial means relating to the legal system and to judgments made in a court of law. □ …an independent judicial inquiry. □ …judicial decisions. ● ju|di|cial|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Even if the amendment is passed it can be defeated judicially.
ju|di|ci|ary /dʒuːd I ʃəri, [AM ] -ʃieri/ N‑SING The judiciary is the branch of authority in a country which is concerned with law and the legal system. [FORMAL ] □ The judiciary must think very hard before jailing non-violent offenders.
ju|di|cious /dʒuːd I ʃəs/ ADJ If you describe an action or decision as judicious , you approve of it because you think that it shows good judgment and sense. [FORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ The President authorizes the judicious use of military force to protect our citizens. ● ju|di|cious|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Modern fertilisers should be used judiciously.
judo /dʒuː doʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Judo is a sport in which two people fight and try to throw each other to the ground.
jug /dʒʌ g/ (jugs ) N‑COUNT A jug is a cylindrical container with a handle and is used for holding and pouring liquids. ● N‑COUNT A jug of liquid is the amount that the jug contains. □ [+ of ] …a jug of water.
jug|ger|naut /dʒʌ gə r nɔːt/ (juggernauts )
1 N‑COUNT A juggernaut is a very large truck. [mainly BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT If you describe an organization or group as a juggernaut , you are critical of them because they are large and extremely powerful, and you think they are not being controlled properly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The group became a sales juggernaut in the commodity options business.
jug|gle /dʒʌ g ə l/ (juggles , juggling , juggled )
1 VERB If you juggle lots of different things, for example your work and your family, you try to give enough time or attention to all of them. □ [V n] The management team meets several times a week to juggle budgets and resources. □ [V n + with ] Mike juggled the demands of a family of 11 with a career as a TV reporter. [Also V + with ]
2 VERB If you juggle , you entertain people by throwing things into the air, catching each one and throwing it up again so that there are several of them in the air at the same time. □ [V n] Soon she was juggling five eggs. □ [V ] I can't juggle. ● jug|gl|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ He can perform an astonishing variety of acts, including mime and juggling.
jug|gler /dʒʌ glə r / (jugglers ) N‑COUNT A juggler is someone who juggles in order to entertain people.
ju g|gl|ing act (juggling acts ) N‑COUNT If you say that a situation is a juggling act , you mean that someone is trying to do two or more things at once, and that they are finding it difficult to do those things properly. □ Your life is a constant juggling act between work and family.
jugu|lar /dʒʌ gjʊlə r / (jugulars )
1 N‑COUNT A jugular or jugular vein is one of the three important veins in your neck that carry blood from your head back to your heart.
2 PHRASE If you say that someone went for the jugular , you mean that they strongly attacked another person's weakest points in order to harm them. [INFORMAL ] □ Mr Black went for the jugular, asking intimate sexual questions.
juice ◆◇◇ /dʒuː s/ (juices )
1 N‑VAR Juice is the liquid that can be obtained from a fruit. □ …fresh orange juice.
2 N‑PLURAL The juices of a piece of meat are the liquid that comes out of it when you cook it. □ When cooked, drain off the juices and put the meat in a processor or mincer.
juicy /dʒuː si/ (juicier , juiciest )
1 ADJ If food is juicy , it has a lot of juice in it and is very enjoyable to eat. □ …a thick, juicy steak.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Juicy gossip or stories contain details about people's lives, especially details which are normally kept private. [INFORMAL ] □ It provided some juicy gossip for a few days.
juke|box /dʒuː kbɒks/ (jukeboxes ) also juke-box N‑COUNT A jukebox is a machine that plays CDs in a place such as a pub or bar. You put money in and choose the song you want to hear. □ My favorite song is on the jukebox.
Jul. Jul. is a written abbreviation for July .
July /dʒʊla I / (Julys ) N‑VAR July is the seventh month of the year in the Western calendar. □ In late July 1914, he and Violet spent a few days with friends near Berwick-upon-Tweed. □ I expect you to report for work on 28 July. □ She met him for the first time last July.
jum|ble /dʒʌ mb ə l/ (jumbles , jumbling , jumbled )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A jumble of things is a lot of different things that are all mixed together in a disorganized or confused way. □ [+ of ] The shoreline was made up of a jumble of huge boulders.
2 VERB If you jumble things or if things jumble , they become mixed together so that they are untidy or are not in the correct order. □ [V n with together ] He's making a new film by jumbling together bits of his other movies. □ [V ] His thoughts jumbled and raced like children fighting. [Also V n, V n prep] ● PHRASAL VERB To jumble up means the same as to jumble . □ [V n P prep/adv] They had jumbled it all up into a heap. □ [V n P ] The bank scrambles all that money together, jumbles it all up and lends it out. □ [V P ] The watch parts fell apart and jumbled up. □ [V -ed P ] There were six wires jumbled up, tied together, all painted black. [Also V P n]
3 N‑UNCOUNT Jumble is old or unwanted things that people give away to charity. [BRIT ] □ [+ for ] She expects me to drive round collecting jumble for the church. in AM, use rummage
jum|bled /dʒʌ mb ə ld/ ADJ If you describe things or ideas as jumbled , you mean that they are mixed up and not in order. □ These jumbled priorities should be no cause for surprise.
ju m|ble sale (jumble sales ) N‑COUNT A jumble sale is a sale of cheap second-hand goods, usually held to raise money for charity. [BRIT ] in AM, use rummage sale
jum|bo /dʒʌ mboʊ/ (jumbos )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Jumbo means very large; used mainly in advertising and in the names of products. □ …a jumbo box of tissues.
2 N‑COUNT A jumbo or a jumbo jet is a very large jet aircraft that can carry several hundred passengers. □ …a British Airways jumbo. WORD HISTORY jumbo
Jumbo was the name of a famous and very large 19th-century African elephant that was used to give rides to children at London Zoo, before being sold in 1882 to Barnum and Bailey's circus.
jump ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ mp/ (jumps , jumping , jumped )
1 VERB If you jump , you bend your knees, push against the ground with your feet, and move quickly upwards into the air. □ [V prep/adv] I jumped over the fence. □ [V n] I'd jumped seventeen feet six in the long jump, which was a school record. □ [V ] Whoever heard of a basketball player who doesn't need to jump? ● N‑COUNT Jump is also a noun. □ [+ in ] She was taking tiny jumps in her excitement.
2 VERB If you jump from something above the ground, you deliberately push yourself into the air so that you drop towards the ground. □ [V prep/adv] He jumped out of a third-floor window. □ [V n] I jumped the last six feet down to the deck. [Also V ]
3 VERB If you jump something such as a fence, you move quickly up and through the air over or across it. □ [V n] He jumped the first fence beautifully.
4 VERB If you jump somewhere, you move there quickly and suddenly. □ [V prep/adv] Adam jumped from his seat at the girl's cry.
5 VERB If something makes you jump , it makes you make a sudden movement because you are frightened or surprised. □ [V ] The phone shrilled, making her jump.
6 VERB If an amount or level jumps , it suddenly increases or rises by a large amount in a short time. □ [V + from ] Sales jumped from $94 million to over $101 million. □ [V + by ] The number of crimes jumped by ten per cent last year. □ [V amount] Shares in Euro Disney jumped 17p. ● N‑COUNT Jump is also a noun. □ [+ in ] …a big jump in energy conservation. [Also V + to ]
7 VERB If someone jumps a queue, they move to the front of it and are served or dealt with before it is their turn. [BRIT ] □ [V n] The prince refused to jump the queue for treatment at the local hospital.
8 VERB [no cont] If you jump at an offer or opportunity, you accept it quickly and eagerly. □ [V + at ] Members of the public would jump at the chance to become part owners of the corporation.
9 VERB If someone jumps on you, they quickly criticize you if you do something that they do not approve of. □ [V + on ] A lot of people jumped on me about that, you know.
10 VERB If someone jumps you, they attack you suddenly or unexpectedly. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] Half a dozen sailors jumped him.
11 → see also bungee jumping , high jump , long jump , queue-jumping , show jumping , triple jump
12 PHRASE If you get a jump on something or someone or get the jump on them, you gain an advantage over them. [AM ] □ Helicopters helped fire crews get a jump on the blaze.
13 to jump on the bandwagon → see bandwagon
14 to jump bail → see bail
15 to jump to a conclusion → see conclusion
16 to jump the gun → see gun
17 to jump for joy → see joy
▸ jump in PHRASAL VERB If you jump in , you act quickly, often without thinking much about what you are doing. □ [V P ] The Government had to jump in and purchase millions of dollars worth of supplies.
▸ jump out PHRASAL VERB If you say that something jumps out at you, you mean that it is easy to notice it because it is different from other things of its type. □ [V P + at ] A phrase jumped out at me in a piece about copyright. [Also V P ] COLLOCATIONS jump VERB 6
noun + jump : earnings, prices, profits, rate, sales, shares
jump + adverb : dramatically, sharply
ju mped-u p ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as jumped-up , you disapprove of them because they consider themselves to be more important than they really are. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's nothing better than a jumped-up bank clerk!
jump|er /dʒʌ mpə r / (jumpers )
1 N‑COUNT A jumper is a warm knitted piece of clothing which covers the upper part of your body and your arms. [BRIT ] □ Isabel had on a simple jumper and skirt. in AM, use sweater 2 N‑COUNT A jumper is a sleeveless dress that is worn over a blouse or sweater. [AM ] □ She wore a checkered jumper and had ribbons in her hair. in BRIT, use pinafore 3 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] If you refer to a person or a horse as a particular kind of jumper , you are describing how good they are at jumping or the way that they jump. □ He is a terrific athlete and a brilliant jumper.
ju mp|er ca |bles N‑PLURAL Jumper cables are the same as jump leads . [AM ]
ju mping-o ff point N‑SING A jumping-off point or a jumping-off place is a place, situation, or occasion which you use as the starting point for something. □ [+ for ] Lectoure is a bustling market town and the best jumping-off point for a first visit to Le Gers.
ju mp jet (jump jets ) N‑COUNT A jump jet is a jet aircraft that can take off and land vertically.
ju mp jock|ey (jump jockeys ) N‑COUNT A jump jockey is someone who rides horses in races such as steeplechases, where the horses have to jump over obstacles.
jump leads /dʒʌ mp liːdz/ N‑PLURAL Jump leads are two thick wires that can be used to start a car when its battery does not have enough power. The jump leads are used to connect the battery to the battery of another car that is working properly. [BRIT ] in AM, use jumper cables
ju mp rope (jump ropes ) N‑COUNT A jump rope is a piece of rope, usually with handles at each end. You exercise with it by turning it round and round and jumping over it. [AM ] in BRIT, use skipping rope
ju mp-start (jump-starts , jump-starting , jump-started ) also jump start
1 VERB To jump-start a vehicle which has a flat battery means to make the engine start by getting power from the battery of another vehicle, using special cables called jump leads. □ [V n] He was huddled with John trying to jump-start his car. ● N‑COUNT Jump-start is also a noun. □ I drove out to give him a jump start because his battery was dead.
2 VERB To jump-start a system or process that has stopped working or progressing means to do something that will make it start working quickly or effectively. □ [V n] The E.U. is trying to jump start the peace process. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing] Jump-start is also a noun. □ …attempts to give the industry a jump-start.
jump|suit /dʒʌ mpsuːt/ (jumpsuits ) N‑COUNT A jumpsuit is a piece of clothing in the form of a top and trousers in one continuous piece.
jumpy /dʒʌ mpi/ (jumpier , jumpiest ) ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are jumpy , you are nervous or worried about something. [INFORMAL ] □ I told myself not to be so jumpy. □ When he spoke his voice was jumpy.
Jun. Jun. is a written abbreviation for June .
junc|tion /dʒʌ ŋkʃ ə n/ (junctions ) N‑COUNT A junction is a place where roads or railway lines join. [BRIT ] □ Follow the road to a junction and turn left. in AM, usually use intersection
junc|ture /dʒʌ ŋktʃə r / (junctures ) N‑COUNT [usu at N ] At a particular juncture means at a particular point in time, especially when it is a very important time in a process or series of events. □ What's important at this juncture is the ability of the three republics to work together.
June /dʒuː n/ (Junes ) N‑VAR June is the sixth month of the year in the Western calendar. □ He spent two and a half weeks with us in June 1986. □ I am moving out on 5 June.
jun|gle /dʒʌ ŋg ə l/ (jungles )
1 N‑VAR A jungle is a forest in a tropical country where large numbers of tall trees and plants grow very close together. □ [+ of ] …the mountains and jungles of Papua New Guinea. □ The mountain area is covered entirely in dense jungle.
2 N‑SING If you describe a place as a jungle , you are emphasizing that it is full of lots of things and very untidy. [EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] …a jungle of stuffed birds, knick-knacks, potted plants.
3 N‑SING If you describe a situation as a jungle , you dislike it because it is complicated and difficult to get what you want from it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] Social security law and procedure remain a jungle of complex rules.
4 PHRASE If you refer to the law of the jungle , you are referring to a situation in which there are no laws or rules to govern the way that people behave and people use force to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ If you make aggression pay, this becomes the law of the jungle.
jun|ior ◆◇◇ /dʒuː niə r / (juniors )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A junior official or employee holds a low-ranking position in an organization or profession. □ Junior and middle-ranking civil servants have pledged to join the indefinite strike. □ …a junior minister attached to the prime minister's office. ● N‑COUNT Junior is also a noun. □ The Lord Chancellor has said legal aid work is for juniors when they start out in the law.
2 N‑SING If you are someone's junior , you are younger than they are. □ She now lives with actor Denis Lawson, 10 years her junior.
3 N‑COUNT Junior is sometimes used after the name of the younger of two men in a family who have the same name, sometimes in order to prevent confusion. The abbreviation Jr is also used. [AM ] □ His son, Arthur Ochs Junior, is expected to succeed him as publisher.
4 N‑COUNT In the United States, a student in the third year of a high school or university course is called a junior .
ju n|ior hi gh (junior highs ) N‑COUNT In the United States, junior high is the school that young people attend between the ages of 11 or 12 and 14 or 15. □ …Benjamin Franklin Junior High.
ju n|ior school (junior schools ) N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT [oft in names] In England and Wales, a junior school is a school for children between the ages of about seven and eleven. □ …Middleton Road Junior School.
ju|ni|per /dʒuː n I pə r / (junipers ) N‑VAR A juniper is an evergreen bush with purple berries which can be used in cooking and medicine.
junk /dʒʌ ŋk/ (junks , junking , junked )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Junk is old and used goods that have little value and that you do not want any more. □ What are you going to do with all that junk, Larry?
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] In computing, junk refers to unwanted emails that have been sent to a large number of people or organizations, usually as advertising. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] …an increased threat from junk email.
3 VERB If you junk something, you get rid of it or stop using it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] We junk 10 million pieces of furniture every year in the UK.
ju nk bond (junk bonds ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] If a company issues junk bonds , it borrows money from investors, usually at a high rate of interest, in order to finance a particular deal, for example the setting up or the taking over of another company. [BUSINESS ]
jun|ket /dʒʌ ŋk I t/ (junkets ) N‑COUNT If you describe a trip or visit by an official or businessman as a junket , you disapprove of it because it is expensive, unnecessary, and often has been paid for with public money. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
ju nk food (junk foods ) N‑VAR If you refer to food as junk food , you mean that it is quick and easy to prepare but is not good for your health.
junkie /dʒʌ ŋki/ (junkies )
1 N‑COUNT A junkie is a drug addict. [INFORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT [n N ] You can use junkie to refer to someone who is very interested in a particular activity, especially when they spend a lot of time on it. [INFORMAL ] □ …a computer junkie.
ju nk mail N‑UNCOUNT Junk mail is advertisements and publicity materials that you receive through the post or by email which you have not asked for and which you do not want.
junk|yard /dʒʌ ŋkjɑː r d/ (junkyards ) N‑COUNT A junkyard is the same as a scrapyard .
jun|ta /dʒʌ ntə, hʊ ntə/ (juntas ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A junta is a military government that has taken power by force, and not through elections.
ju|ris|dic|tion /dʒʊə r I sd I kʃ ə n/ (jurisdictions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Jurisdiction is the power that a court of law or an official has to carry out legal judgments or to enforce laws. [FORMAL ] □ [+ over ] The British police have no jurisdiction over foreign bank accounts.
2 N‑COUNT A jurisdiction is a state or other area in which a particular court and system of laws has authority. [LEGAL ]
ju|ris|pru|dence /dʒʊə r I spruː d ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Jurisprudence is the study of law and the principles on which laws are based. [FORMAL ]
ju|rist /dʒʊə r I st/ (jurists ) N‑COUNT A jurist is a person who is an expert on law. [FORMAL ]
ju|ror /dʒʊə rə r / (jurors ) N‑COUNT A juror is a member of a jury.
jury ◆◇◇ /dʒʊə ri/ (juries )
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb, oft by N ] In a court of law, the jury is the group of people who have been chosen from the general public to listen to the facts about a crime and to decide whether the person accused is guilty or not. □ The jury convicted Mr Hampson of all offences. □ …the tradition of trial by jury.
2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A jury is a group of people who choose the winner of a competition. □ I am not surprised that the Booker Prize jury included it on their shortlist.
3 PHRASE If you say that the jury is out or that the jury is still out on a particular subject, you mean that people in general have still not made a decision or formed an opinion about that subject. □ [+ on ] The jury is out on whether or not this is true.
just
➊ ADVERB USES
➋ ADJECTIVE USE
➊ just ◆◆◆ /dʒʌ st/
→ Please look at categories 25 to 29 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use just to say that something happened a very short time ago, or is starting to happen at the present time. For example, if you say that someone has just arrived , you mean that they arrived a very short time ago. □ I've just bought a new house. □ The two had only just met. □ I just had the most awful dream. □ I'm only just beginning to take it in that he's still missing.
2 ADV [ADV before v, ADV about/going to-inf] If you say that you are just doing something, you mean that you are doing it now and will finish it very soon. If you say that you are just about to do something, or just going to do it, you mean that you will do it very soon. □ I'm just making the sauce for the cauliflower. □ I'm just going to walk down the lane now and post some letters. □ The Vietnam War was just about to end.
3 ADV [ADV adv/prep] You can use just to emphasize that something is happening at exactly the moment of speaking or at exactly the moment that you are talking about. [EMPHASIS ] □ Randall would just now be getting the Sunday paper. □ Just then the phone rang. □ Just as she prepared to set off to the next village, two friends arrived in a taxi.
4 ADV You use just to indicate that something is no more important, interesting, or difficult, for example, than you say it is, especially when you want to correct a wrong idea that someone may get or has already got. [EMPHASIS ] □ It's just a suggestion. □ It's not just a financial matter. □ You can tell just by looking at me that I am all right.
5 ADV [ADV n] You use just to emphasize that you are talking about a small part, not the whole of an amount. [EMPHASIS ] □ That's just one example of the kind of experiments you can do.
6 ADV You use just to emphasize how small an amount is or how short a length of time is. [EMPHASIS ] □ Stephanie and David redecorated a room in just three days.
7 ADV [ADV before v] You can use just in front of a verb to indicate that the result of something is unfortunate or undesirable and is likely to make the situation worse rather than better. □ Leaving like I did just made it worse.
8 ADV You use just to indicate that what you are saying is the case, but only by a very small degree or amount. □ Her hand was just visible by the light from the sitting room. □ I arrived just in time for my flight to London.
9 ADV You use just with 'might,' 'may,' and 'could', when you mean that there is a small chance of something happening, even though it is not very likely. □ It's an old trick but it just might work.
10 ADV [ADV before v] You use just to emphasize the following word or phrase, in order to express feelings such as annoyance, admiration, or certainty. [EMPHASIS ] □ She just won't relax. □ I knew you'd be here. I just knew.
11 ADV [ADV n] You use just in expressions such as just a minute and just a moment to ask someone to wait for a short time. [SPOKEN ] □ 'Let me in, Di.'—'Okay. Just a minute.'
12 ADV [ADV n] You can use just in expressions such as just a minute and just a moment to interrupt someone, for example in order to disagree with them, explain something, or calm them down. [SPOKEN ] □ Well, now just a second, I don't altogether agree with the premise.
13 ADV [with neg] You can use just with negative question tags, for example ' isn't he just? ' and ' don't they just! ', to say that you agree completely with what has been said. [BRIT , SPOKEN , EMPHASIS ] □ 'That's crazy,' I said.—'Isn't it just?' he said. □ 'The manager's going to have some tough decisions to make.'—'Won't he just.'
14 ADV [ADV before v] If you say that you can just see or hear something, you mean that it is easy for you to imagine seeing or hearing it. □ I can just hear her telling her friends, 'Well, I blame his mother!'
15 ADV You use just to mean exactly, when you are specifying something precisely or asking for precise information. □ There are no statistics about just how many people won't vote. □ My arm hurts too, just here.
16 ADV [ADV n] You use just to emphasize that a particular thing is exactly what is needed or fits a particular description exactly. [EMPHASIS ] □ Kiwi fruit are just the thing for a healthy snack. □ 'Let's get a coffee somewhere.'—'I know just the place.'
17 ADV [ADV like n, ADV as adj/adv, ADV n] You use just in expressions such as just like , just as…as , and just the same when you are emphasizing the similarity between two things or two people. [EMPHASIS ] □ Behind the facade they are just like the rest of us. □ He worked just as hard as anyone.
18 PHRASE You use just about to indicate that what you are talking about is so close to being the case that it can be regarded as being the case. □ What does she read? Just about everything.
19 PHRASE You use just about to indicate that what you are talking about is in fact the case, but only by a very small degree or amount. □ We've got just about enough time to get there.
20 not just → see not
21 just now → see now
22 only just → see only
23 it just goes to show → see show
➋ just /dʒʌ st/
1 ADJ If you describe a situation, action, or idea as just , you mean that it is right or acceptable according to particular moral principles, such as respect for all human beings. [FORMAL ] □ In a just society there must be a system whereby people can seek redress through the courts. ● just|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ No government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.
2 to get your just deserts → see desert
jus|tice ◆◆◇ /dʒʌ st I s/ (justices )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Justice is fairness in the way that people are treated. □ He has a good overall sense of justice and fairness. □ There is no justice in this world!
2 N‑UNCOUNT The justice of a cause, claim, or argument is its quality of being reasonable, fair, or right. □ [+ of ] We are a minority and must win people round to the justice of our cause.
3 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Justice is the legal system that a country uses in order to deal with people who break the law. □ Many in Toronto's black community feel that the justice system does not treat them fairly.
4 N‑COUNT A justice is a judge. [AM ] □ [+ on ] Thomas will be sworn in today as a justice on the Supreme Court.
5 N‑TITLE Justice is used before the names of judges. □ A preliminary hearing was due to start today before Mr Justice Hutchison, but was adjourned.
6 → see also miscarriage of justice
7 PHRASE If a criminal is brought to justice , he or she is punished for a crime by being arrested and tried in a court of law. □ They demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
8 PHRASE To do justice to a person or thing means to reproduce them accurately and show how good they are. □ The photograph I had seen didn't do her justice.
9 PHRASE If you do justice to someone or something, you deal with them properly and completely. □ [+ to ] No one article can ever do justice to the topic of fraud.
10 PHRASE If you do yourself justice , you do something as well as you are capable of doing it. □ I don't think he could do himself justice playing for England.
11 PHRASE If you describe someone's treatment or punishment as rough justice , you mean that it is not given according to the law. [BRIT ] □ Trial by television makes for very rough justice indeed. SYNONYMS justice NOUN 1
fairness: …concern about the fairness of the election campaign.
equity: We base this call on grounds of social justice and equity.
impartiality: …a justice system lacking impartiality by democratic standards.
Ju s|tice of the Pea ce (Justices of the Peace )
1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a Justice of the Peace is a person who is not a lawyer but who can act as a judge in a local criminal law court. The abbreviation JP is also used.
2 N‑COUNT In some states in the United States, a Justice of the Peace is an official who can carry out some legal tasks, such as settling minor cases in court or performing marriages. The abbreviation JP is also used.
jus|ti|fi|able /dʒʌ st I fa I əb ə l/ ADJ An action, situation, emotion, or idea that is justifiable is acceptable or correct because there is a good reason for it. □ [+ on ] The violence of the revolutionary years was justifiable on the grounds of political necessity. ● jus|ti|fi|ably /dʒʌ st I fa I əbli/ ADV □ He was justifiably proud of his achievements.
jus|ti|fi|ca|tion /dʒʌ st I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (justifications ) N‑VAR A justification for something is an acceptable reason or explanation for it. □ [+ for ] To me the only justification for a zoo is educational.
jus|ti|fied /dʒʌ st I fa I d/
1 ADJ If you describe a decision, action, or idea as justified , you think it is reasonable and acceptable. □ In my opinion, the decision was wholly justified.
2 ADJ If you think that someone is justified in doing something, you think that their reasons for doing it are good and valid. □ [+ in ] He's absolutely justified in resigning. He was treated shamefully.
jus|ti|fy ◆◇◇ /dʒʌ st I fa I / (justifies , justifying , justified )
1 VERB To justify a decision, action, or idea means to show or prove that it is reasonable or necessary. □ [V n] No argument can justify a war. □ [V n] Ministers agreed that this decision was fully justified by economic conditions.
2 VERB To justify printed text means to adjust the spaces between the words so that each line of type is exactly the same length. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] Click on this icon to align or justify text.
3 → see also left-justify , right-justify SYNONYMS justify VERB 1
warrant: The allegations are serious enough to warrant an investigation.
excuse: That doesn't excuse my mother's behaviour.
vindicate: Ministers and officials are confident their decision will be vindicated.
just|ly /dʒʌ stli/
1 ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] You use justly to show that you approve of someone's attitude towards something, because it seems to be based on truth or reality. [APPROVAL ] □ Australians are justly proud of their native wildlife.
2 → see also just ➋
jut /dʒʌ t/ (juts , jutting , jutted )
1 VERB If something juts out , it sticks out above or beyond a surface. □ [V adv/prep] The northern end of the island juts out like a long, thin finger into the sea.
2 VERB If you jut a part of your body, especially your chin, or if it juts , you push it forward in an aggressive or determined way. □ [V adv/prep] His jaw jutted stubbornly forward; he would not be denied. □ [V n adv/prep] Gwen jutted her chin forward and did not answer the teacher. □ [V ] Ken's jaw jutted with determination. [Also V n]
jute /dʒuː t/ N‑UNCOUNT Jute is a substance that is used to make cloth and rope. It comes from a plant which grows mainly in South-East Asia.
ju|venile /dʒuː vəna I l/ (juveniles )
1 N‑COUNT A juvenile is a child or young person who is not yet old enough to be regarded as an adult. [FORMAL ] □ The number of juveniles in the general population has fallen by a fifth in the past 10 years.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Juvenile activity or behaviour involves young people who are not yet adults. □ Juvenile crime is increasing at a terrifying rate.
3 ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as juvenile , you are critical of it because you think that it is silly or childish. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's a typical male, as he gets older he becomes more juvenile.
ju |venile court (juvenile courts ) N‑VAR A juvenile court is a court which deals with crimes committed by young people who are not yet old enough to be considered as adults.
ju |venile de|li n|quen|cy N‑UNCOUNT Juvenile delinquency is destruction of property and other criminal behaviour that is committed by young people who are not old enough to be legally considered as adults.
ju |venile de|li n|quent (juvenile delinquents ) N‑COUNT A juvenile delinquent is a young person who is guilty of committing crimes, especially destruction of property or violence.
jux|ta|pose /dʒʌ kstəpoʊ z/ (juxtaposes , juxtaposing , juxtaposed ) VERB If you juxtapose two contrasting objects, images, or ideas, you place them together or describe them together, so that the differences between them are emphasized. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The technique Mr Wilson uses most often is to juxtapose things for dramatic effect. □ [be V -ed + with ] Contemporary photographs are juxtaposed with a sixteenth century, copper Portuguese mirror. □ [V -ed] …art's oldest theme: the celebration of life juxtaposed with the terror of mortality. [Also V n + with ]
jux|ta|po|si|tion /dʒʌ kstəpəz I ʃ ə n/ (juxtapositions ) N‑VAR The juxtaposition of two contrasting objects, images, or ideas is the fact that they are placed together or described together, so that the differences between them are emphasized. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] This juxtaposition of brutal reality and lyrical beauty runs through Park's stories.
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