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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

Though the creature is sometimes referred to as the Falklands fox, the warrah did not physically resemble a fox or wolf, but rather a coyote or jackal.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 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

“Really,” he said in a video interview promoting the exhibition, “I feel like I’m an outsider. I’m really an oddball guy who managed to, like a jackal, eat whatever the pigs leave behind.”

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2023

“At last!” he said as he walked up, grinning like a jackal.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline