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  jock

  noun

  jockey.
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jock

¹ American  

[jok] / dʒɒk /

noun

Informal.

1. jockey.

2. disc jockey.

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jock ² American  

[jok] / dʒɒk /

noun

1. a jockstrap.

2. Informal. an athlete.

3. Informal. an enthusiast.

   a computer jock.

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Jock ³ American  

[jok] / dʒɒk /

noun

1. Scot. and Irish English.

   1. a nickname for John.

   2. an innocent lad; country boy.

2. British Informal.

   1. a Scottish soldier or a soldier in a Scottish regiment.

   2. Usually Offensive. a term used to refer to or address a Scot.

3. a male given name.

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jock ¹ British  

/ dʒɒk /

noun

1. informal short for disc jockey

2. informal short for jockstrap

3. informal an athlete

4. mining a pointed bar of steel inserted into the wheel of a mine vehicle and used for emergency braking

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Jock ² British  

/ dʒɒk /

noun

1. a slang word or term of address for a Scot

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Etymology

Origin of jock¹

First recorded in 1820–30; shortened form of jockey

Origin of jock²

First recorded in 1950–55; by shortening from jockstrap

Origin of Jock³

First recorded in 1500–10

Explanation

A jock is a serious athlete, someone who enjoys and is good at sports. Your cousin the jock might encourage you to try out for the football team even if what you love is playing chess and acting in plays. The noun jock, which is mostly used for people who are excellent at physical challenges and sports, can also be used for someone with a non-sporty interest, like a music jock or a computer jock. Before it gained its "athlete" meaning, jock was shorthand for jockstrap, supportive underwear that's often worn by male athletes.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jock Jock

Nearby, a shirtless jock dashed across a net made of ropes and grannies dangled from high bars.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

“Class president, the jock, the cultural disruptor, the new wave aesthetic.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

Director Lee’s objective is not just to bring her audience along on an investigative thrill ride but to provide a portrait of Appalachian teenagers—the jock, the goofball, the self-described “weird girl.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

On the James Whale Radio Show, the presenter was a cross between a shock jock, talk show host, gonzo roving reporter and working men's club MC.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2025

“Maybe it’s good for jock itch or something. ”

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers

Notable performances include the world premieres of a work choreographed by ex-New York City Ballet principal Jock Soto and a piece by contemporary dancer and choreographer Sidra Bell.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

This was also the first time Celtic have lost four games in a row since January 1978, during Jock Stein's final season as manager.

From BBC ● Dec. 18, 2025

Spanish forward Santi Aldama scored 29 points and Australian center Jock Landale added 21 off the bench to spark Memphis over the Sacramento Kings 137-96 as every player scored for the host Grizzlies.

From Barron's ● Nov. 21, 2025

They listen to playlists while pulling carts loaded with cinder blocks: yacht rock for mornings, Jock Jam in the afternoon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025

The boys reeled off their names like a row of cadets: Hamish, Angus, Mungo, Rabbie, Tam, Wullie, Ross, and Jock.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein