jam session

American  

[jam sesh-uhn] / ˈdʒæm ˌsɛʃ ən /

noun

1. Music.

   1. a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to improvise, experiment, or play for their own enjoyment.

   2. an impromptu musical performance, especially of jazz.

   3. a special performance by musicians, especially jazz musicians, who do not regularly play together.

2. an informal, freely collaborative meeting, conference, or discussion.

   The event was a laid-back jam session for creatives to get together and network.

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jam session British  

noun

1. slang an unrehearsed or improvised jazz or rock performance

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Etymology

Origin of jam session

First recorded in 1930–35; perhaps jam ¹, or shortening of jamboree

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jam session

He said as Morrison was leaving at the end of their jam session he said: "Nice voice, nice songs, blah, blah, blah."

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

And in Philly, there was always something going on whether it was a block party or a jam session or an open mic night.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2026

I was recently in Puerto Rico and went to a plena jam session.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2025

In the opening scenes, Philibert turns his camera on an unnamed toothy gentleman belting scratchy vocals during a jam session.

From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2024

Participants are encouraged to wear traditional regalia and bring their own instrument, such as a drum, rattle or flute, to join the jam session.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 9, 2023