jams
noun
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:
Osypenko, the seamstress, said she would not get home because of the traffic jams.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
Lagos, one of Africa's largest and busiest cities, is infamous for its long traffic jams that cause gridlock and hamper business activity.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
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
Authorities described traffic jams and chaotic scenes as evacuees tried to flee in their cars and firefighters headed toward the blaze.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
The jars that filled their kitchen shelves—the preserved moose meat, jams, and berries.
From "I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964" by Lauren Tarshis
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
After Mitchell mentioned how much she missed hearing her own instruments played, Carlile began organizing Joni Jams, monthly jam sessions at Mitchell’s Bel Air home.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 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
Jams and groceries could be procured at the druggist's, while the fashionable milliner of the town was also the postmistress.
From Heriot's Choice A Tale by Rosa Nouchette Carey
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