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

Norms eventually hopes to offer products for “the butt to the gut and beyond,” Katz said about future ventures for athlete’s foot, jock itch and constipation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

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

Former Cincinnati quarterback Boomer Esiason remembers when the Bengals equipment crew would wheel out two canvas laundry carts each day — one filled with socks and the other with jock straps.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2024

Her mother and I have four kids, and we were thrilled when our older girl was the one who turned into the family jock.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2024

I’m mostly panicked about the concept of running, and especially with some jock who believes that running on city concrete is the best idea on the planet.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan