jazzy

American  

[jaz-ee] / ˈdʒæz i /

adjective

jazzier, jazziest

1. pertaining to or suggestive of jazz music.

2. Informal. active or lively.

3. Informal. fancy or flashy.

   a jazzy sweater.

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jazzy British  

/ ˈdʒæzɪ /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or resembling jazz music

2. gaudy or flashy

   a jazzy car

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Other Word Forms

• jazzily adverb
• jazziness noun

Etymology

Origin of jazzy

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20; jazz + -y ¹

Explanation

Anything that sounds like jazz music, or in other ways reminds you of jazz, is jazzy. The spirited, toe-tapping version of "Happy Birthday" you sing to your grandpa might be described as jazzy. There are jazzy covers of staid songs, or jazzy ensembles that bring some elements of jazz to whatever they're playing. You can also use this adjective to describe something that's fancy in a flashy or ostentatious way: "She wore a long, jazzy gown that was covered in glittering sequins." Jazzy, coined around 1919, comes from jazz, which probably stems from the Creole slang jass, "strenuous activity."

Example Sentences

While her elder sister became known for more poignant songs, Bhosle, until later in her career, was associated with bold, jazzy and cabaret-style numbers.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

He would take romantic numbers and set them to a jazzy, four-four swingtime beat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

And there's a cheeky riposte to their critics on the jazzy potboiler They Don't Know 'Bout Us: "You say we changed? We feel the same."

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

From heavy punk numbers to jazzy R&B ballads and solemn country-infused performances, the academy celebrated those who have shaped music, whether it’s on the artistry end or the business end of things.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

My mind is still pounding with the jazzy thunder of that piece.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• flashy
• lively
• sexy
• zippy