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

Twenty years ago, while still an undergraduate at the Juilliard School of Music—before his seven seasons as bandleader for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” or his eight Grammy Awards—Jon Batiste attended a jam session.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Riw Rakkulchon’s ingenious set, suggestive of both a barn and a cabinet of orchestral wonders, allows “Mexodus” to function simultaneously as a suspenseful dramatic yarn and a jam session.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

Footage of the jam session has won praise on social media.

From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2026

“For me, every session is a jam session — like in the movies where the kids are in the garage and the mom is like, ‘Kids, be quiet!’”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 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