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

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Etymology

Origin of jacks

C19: shortened from jackstones , variant of checkstones pebbles

Explanation

Jacks is a children's game in which you bounce a small ball and quickly scoop up game pieces. There's evidence that some form of jacks was even played in ancient Greece. Jacks goes by many names, including "knucklebones" and "fivestones." The original version was played with small stones, which were closely related to dice, and invented around the same time. In modern jacks, a player drops ten metal star-shaped pieces and then tries to scoop them up — first one at a time, then two at a time, and so on — after bouncing a ball, which is then caught before it hits the ground.

Example Sentences

But some opt for less physically demanding escapism in the form of "congklak" -- a counting game using seeds or stones -- or "bola bekel", similar to jacks.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

The huge increased pressure on energy grids translates to higher utility bills, which puts additional strain on gas and coal plants, which of course jacks up toxic air pollution.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026

“It’s like a hydraulic system. It really is very much like the jacks that push your car up, or something that an excavator might have,” Drew said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Union jacks hang from lampposts - this was one of the first areas in England to see that trend emerge.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

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

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson