jam
Looking for the meaning of jam? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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A sweet mixture of fruit boiled with sugar and allowed to congeal. Often spread on bread or toast or used in jam tarts.
A difficult situation.
Blockage, congestion.
“A traffic jam caused us to miss the game's first period.”
An informal, impromptu performance or rehearsal.
(by extension) A song; a track.
(by extension) An informal event where people brainstorm and collaborate on projects.
To get something stuck in a confined space.
“Her poor little baby toe got jammed in the door.”
To brusquely force something into a space; cram, squeeze.
“The rush-hour train was jammed with commuters.”
To cause congestion or blockage. Often used with "up"
“A single accident can jam the roads for hours.”
To block or confuse a broadcast signal.
To throw a pitch at or near the batter's hands.
“Jones was jammed by the pitch.”
To play music (especially improvisation as a group, or an informal unrehearsed session).
To injure a finger or toe by sudden compression of the digit's tip.
“When he tripped on the step he jammed his toe.”
To attempt to score points.
“Toughie jammed four times in the second period.”
To bring (a vessel) so close to the wind that half her upper sails are laid aback.
To give up on a date or some joint endeavour; stand up, chicken out, jam out.
Understanding "jam"
The word **"jam"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈdʒæːm/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"jam"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "jam" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "jam" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "jam" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈdʒæːm/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "jam" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "jam" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "jam" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "jam". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈdʒæːm/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "jam" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use jam in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "jam" can be used in academic and casual conversations.