Jeep
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of Jeep
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; alteration of G.P. (for General Purpose) Vehicle, or special use of Eugene the Jeep, name of fabulous animal in comic strip “Popeye” by E. C. Segar
Explanation
A jeep is a rugged car made for driving in difficult conditions, like unpaved roads and across sand. Many military vehicles are jeeps. Jeeps were originally developed for use on Army bases — they're hardy little cars with four-wheel drive that can handle rough terrain. A jeep is sometimes called a "light utility vehicle." It's quicker and smaller than a truck or larger utility vehicle, and most jeeps are now owned by civilians. If the word is capitalized, it's the specific, trademarked brand of cars. Jeep was originally Army slang from the 1940s, a blending of G.P., or "general purpose vehicle."
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.
Jeep owner Stellantis was down 3% following a breakdown in U.S. and Canada trade negotiations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram have long been industry laggards in fuel economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
Jeep maker Stellantis in May said two of its Spanish factories would produce electric vehicles with China’s Leapmotor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
Fiat and Jeep maker Stellantis said Thursday it had returned to profit in first quarter of 2026 after a dramatic loss in the same period last year.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
They jumped back into their Jeep and peeled away, turning in a wide arc across the road.
From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
