jaywalk

American  

[jey-wawk] / ˈdʒeɪˌwɔk /

verb (used without object)

1. to cross a street at a place other than a regular crossing or in a heedless manner, as diagonally or against a traffic light.

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jaywalk British  

/ ˈdʒeɪˌwɔːk /

verb

1. (intr) to cross or walk in a street recklessly or illegally

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Other Word Forms

• jaywalker noun
• jaywalking noun

Etymology

Origin of jaywalk

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20; jay ¹ + walk

Example Sentences

“The movie you’re about to see was paid for almost entirely by the Canadian government,” said Johnson with contagious glee, adding that German audiences have also been shocked to witness the city’s rampant jaywalking.

From Los Angeles Times

“In 2018, they began using surveillance cameras to fine people for jaywalking and the system could identify your face and send the fine directly to your address.”

From BBC

Beachgoers who parked in neighborhoods jaywalked through a sea of cars across the highway to the sand.

From Los Angeles Times

Most members and employees opt to park on the side of the club instead of trying to jaywalk across the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Bartlett in 2019, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.’s majority opinion recognized a narrow exception, using the example of jaywalking.

From New York Times