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.
In another haul this year, thieves stole six 2026 model Jeep Wranglers from Oakland and Las Vegas.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026
Stellantis, parent of the Jeep and Ram brands, recently switched its bulk oil supply for dealer service departments from 0W-20 to 5W-20 for some of its V-6 and V-8 engines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
After repeated attempts, the crew managed to capture just one take of the Jeep entering the frame.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
During a night shoot with Henshall, an old Second World War Jeep was supposed to be driven into frame.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
After the Jeep was packed, we stood barefoot in the driveway and said our good-byes.
From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith
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.
