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.
The facility in Brampton, Ontario has been closed since 2024 for retooling, to prepare for the production of a next-generation Jeep Compass starting in early 2026.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
The Bronco, revived a year earlier, snatched a sale crown from Jeep Wrangler, which previously had no direct competition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 1, 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
Meanwhile, Germany’s Volkswagen recorded growth of 6.4% to 345,937 units, and Jeep maker Stellantis posted a 5.3% increase to 191,012 vehicles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Alex grabbed it and leaped into the Jeep, grateful to see the keys were in the ignition.
From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz
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.
