jar
1[ jahr ]
/ dʒɑr /
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noun
a broad-mouthed container, usually cylindrical and of glass or earthenware: a cookie jar.
the quantity such a container can or does hold.
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Origin of jar
1First recorded in 1585–95; Middle English jarre “liquid measure smaller than a barrel,” possibly from Old French jarre, from Spanish or Portuguese jarra, jarro “a jar, pitcher,” or from Medieval Latin jarra, from Old Provençal jarra, from Arabic jarrah “earthen water vessel”
OTHER WORDS FROM jar
jarless, adjectiveOther definitions for jar (2 of 3)
jar2
[ jahr ]
/ dʒɑr /
verb (used without object), jarred, jar·ring.
verb (used with object), jarred, jar·ring.
noun
Origin of jar
2First recorded in 1520–30; probably imitative; cf. chirr
OTHER WORDS FROM jar
un·jarred, adjectiveOther definitions for jar (3 of 3)
jar3
[ jahr ]
/ dʒɑr /
noun
a turn or turning.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use jar in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for jar (1 of 3)
jar1
/ (dʒɑː) /
noun
a wide-mouthed container that is usually cylindrical, made of glass or earthenware, and without handles
Also: jarful the contents or quantity contained in a jar
British informal a glass of alcoholic drink, esp beerto have a jar with someone
obsolete a measure of electrical capacitance
Word Origin for jar
C16: from Old French jarre, from Old Provençal jarra, from Arabic jarrah large earthen vessel
British Dictionary definitions for jar (2 of 3)
jar2
/ (dʒɑː) /
verb jars, jarring or jarred
to vibrate or cause to vibrate
to make or cause to make a harsh discordant sound
(often foll by on) to have a disturbing or painful effect (on the nerves, mind, etc)
(intr) to disagree; clash
noun
a jolt or shock
a harsh discordant sound
Derived forms of jar
jarring, adjectivejarringly, adverbWord Origin for jar
C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Old English cearran to creak
British Dictionary definitions for jar (3 of 3)
jar3
/ (dʒɑː) /
noun
on a jar or on the jar (of a door) slightly open; ajar
Word Origin for jar
C17 (in the sense: turn): from earlier char, from Old English cierran to turn; see ajar 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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