jaywalk

[jey-wawk]

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.

jaywalk

/ ˈdʒeɪˌwɔːk /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• jaywalking noun
• jaywalker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaywalk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaywalk¹

C20: from _jay (sense 2)

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.

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“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.”

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

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

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Banks wouldn’t lend, police used crimes such as jaywalking to arrest, schools failed to teach.

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