Words Starting with J

Browse word origins and etymology

Ja

A word used to express affirmation or agreement.

Jab

To poke or thrust quickly and sharply, or a quick sharp blow.

Jabber

To talk rapidly, excitedly, or nonsensically.

Jabberwocky

A playful nonsense word or poem, especially Lewis Carroll’s famous nonsense verse.

Jabiru

A large tropical stork of the Americas and Australasia.

Jabot

A frilled or lace ornament worn at the neck or front of a blouse or shirt.

Jabr

A term in Arabic that refers to the act of compulsion or coercion, often used in a theological or philosophical context.

Jabroni

A foolish, inept, or contemptible person.

Jacal

A hut or house made of upright poles and mud or adobe, especially in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Jacent

Lying or reclining; found in a position of rest or recumbency.

Jacinth

A reddish-orange to yellowish variety of zircon, or a precious stone of that name in older usage.

Jacinthe

A feminine given name and a French form of Hyacinth, also used for the flower in French.

Jacinto

A male given name and a Spanish/Portuguese form of Hyacinth, also used for the flowering plant.

Jack

A male given name, or a tool, device, or object associated with a man or servant in various compounds.

Jackal

A medium-sized wild canine of Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf.

Jackanapes

A rude or conceited person, especially a cheeky young man.

Jackass

A male donkey; also a foolish or obnoxious person.

Jackdaw

A small black-and-gray crow with pale eyes, native to Europe and western Asia.

Jacket

A short coat or outer garment, typically worn on the upper body.

Jacketed

Covered or provided with a jacket, or wearing a jacket.