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

"He wins those jackal turnovers and concedes very few penalties. That's an incredible strength that he has to compete as hard as he does and do it in a clean way," said the England boss.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

I suppose she is referring to an alley cat or perhaps a jackal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

Dead animals littered the side of the road; deer, raccoons, something that looked like a purple jackal, a Chupacabra or two, what looked like a werewolf, and at least one low-flying turkey vulture.

From Salon • Oct. 24, 2024

Despite the Ivy League imprimatur, the cartoonist was still happy when people called him “the retching jackal guy,” a reference to his Mad illustration showing that animal mid-vomit.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2023

Miss McDaniels is on the phone, so I put down the jackal mask while she finishes.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina