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
The group -- which comprises 14 brands including Fiat, Opel, Citroen, Peugeot and Jeep -- reported sales of 43.5 billion euros for March to June, up 13 percent year-on-year.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
Jeep and Fiat owner Stellantis said in May it had formed a joint venture with China's Dongfeng to share manufacturing, sales and engineering operations on the continent.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
The driver of this Jeep Cherokee apparently did not see the red light at this busy intersection near the University of Chicago.
From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
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.
