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jacks

British  
/ dʒæks /

noun

  1. Sometimes called: knucklebones(functioning as singular) a game in which bone, metal, or plastic pieces ( jackstones ) are thrown and then picked up in various groups between bounces or throws of a small ball

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of jacks

C19: shortened from jackstones , variant of checkstones pebbles

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Watching young Reiner play jacks in the living room, he thought the kid was hilarious.

From Los Angeles Times

I feel like doing jumping jacks or a backflip or participating in an ice cream–eating contest.

From Literature

“Simon says, jumping jacks, I don’t care what you call it! Now step aside and let me pass.”

From Literature

We would explore the forest, climb trees, or play jacks and kickball.

From Literature

I count seven small hydraulic jacks attached to the bottom of Cleopatra’s Needle.

From Literature