jackal

American  

[jak-uhl, -awl] / ˈdʒæk əl, -ɔl /

noun

1. any of several nocturnal wild dogs of the genus Canis, especially C. aureus, of Asia and Africa, that scavenge or hunt in packs.

2. a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another.

3. a person who performs menial or degrading tasks for another.

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jackal British  

/ ˈdʒækɔːl /

noun

1. any of several African or S Asian canine mammals of the genus Canis , closely related to the dog, having long legs and pointed ears and muzzle: predators and carrion-eaters

2. a person who does menial tasks for another

3. a villain, esp a swindler

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Etymology

Origin of jackal

1595–1605; < alteration, by association with Jack, of Persian shag ( h ) āl; cognate with Sanskrit śṛgāla

Compare meaning

How does jackal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• jackal vs. hyena

Example Sentences

Carlos the Jackal could not have bought a copy of the New York Herald Tribune in 1975; that paper went belly-up in 1966, though the International Herald Tribune was on sale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Best-selling author Frederick Forsyth, known for thriller novels including The Day Of The Jackal, has died at the age of 86, his agent has said.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025

On Monday morning, the smash hit Korean drama was nominated for best drama series alongside other shows like "The Day of the Jackal," "The Diplomat," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Slow Horses."

From Salon • Dec. 9, 2024

The producers immediately looked to Redmayne to play the titular Jackal, a scrupulous British long-range assassin with an enigmatic quality.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2024

Hyena thought that this was most generous of Jackal, as, had he been in Jackal’s position, he would undoubtedly have chosen to eat the fat sheep.

From "The Girl Who Married a Lion: and Other Tales from Africa" by Alexander Mccall Smith