jams
noun
Showing results for "jams"
- present tense form of jam (3rd person singular).
jams
1 American
[jamz]
/ dʒæmz /
noun
(used with a plural verb)
Jams
2
American
[jamz]
/ dʒæmz /
Trademark.
Usage
What does jams mean? Jams is a very informal word for pajamas—the clothes you wear to sleep in. The word jammies means the same thing but is more common. Terms like jammies, jams, and jam-jams are typically used by children, adults speaking to children, or people using childish words to be silly. A more common synonym for pajamas is p.j.’s, which is informal but not as informal as jammies. You could say that whatever clothes children change into before going to bed are their jams. Traditionally, though, the word refers to clothes that were specifically made and sold for sleeping in, typically consisting of soft, loose-fitting pants or shorts and a (sometimes matching) top. When adults use the words jams or jammies to refer to what they’re wearing, it’s usually to refer to clothes worn for sleeping, but not always. People sometimes use such terms to refer to the clothes they wear to lounge in, especially before bed, though the terms p.j.’s and pajamas are more likely to be used this way. In all cases, the word jams is used very informally. The word jams is also the plural of the noun jam or a present-tense version of the verb jam, both of which have many meanings. Example: OK, kids, time for bed—go brush your teeth and change into your dinosaur jams.
Etymology
Origin of jams
First recorded in 1965–70; by shortening
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.
See Examples For:
She initially launched her brand under the moniker American Riviera Orchard, specializing in artisan jams she notably gifted to celebs, including Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
As ever sells jams, teas, candles and other products "crafted to elevate your everyday and inspire moments of joy", and there is no indication that it will end when she moves across the Atlantic.
From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026
I ping-ponged from soft cheeses to eggs and squash, then past a gelato cart and a table crowded with jams, pepper jellies and a milk carton filled with VHS tapes.
From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2026
Frederic Tavitian, a 70-year-old retiree, who lives about 50 kilometres away, said it took him about four hours to get to the shelter because of the traffic jams.
From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026
“Now those jams are cool enough. You both get to filling up those jars.”
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
Joni had been home alone — really, really fragile — and Brandi, who’s just this amazing human, had this vision of the Joni Jams, where people come to Joni’s house and we sing Joni songs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2025
Jams, jellies and marmalades are a classic way to preserve summer fruits or turn a bounty of sour winter citrus into something sweet.
From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2023
Jams, jellies and honeys make perfect pairings for much of what’s on offer.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 18, 2023
The pair became friends during Mitchell's rehabilitation, when she hosted "Joni Jams" with fellow musicians in her California living room.
From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2022
But, as has been classically said, Jams ate is.
From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
