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jakes

1 American  
[jeyks] / dʒeɪks /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)
  1. an outdoor privy; outhouse.

  2. a toilet or bedpan.


Jakes 2 American  
[jeyks] / dʒeɪks /

noun

  1. John, 1932–2023, U.S. novelist noted for historical fiction: pen names include Jay Scotland.


jakes British  
/ dʒeɪks /

noun

  1. an archaic slang word for lavatory

  2. dialect human excrement

"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 jakes

1525–35; < French Jacques, proper name; john

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.

The Division of Wildlife offered the jakes’ carcasses to an animal rehabilitation center to feed its raptors.

From Seattle Times

"We don't do this every day. Some days we clean out the jakes and pile it on the dung heap."

From Literature

In fact, many of his fellow jakes didn’t know until recently that he had MS.

From Washington Times

“Teenage males, or jakes, that are habituated to people get a bit aggressive.”

From New York Times

Sure, citizens will get to enjoy a substance less harmful than alcohol without worrying about the jakes.

From Salon