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  jock

  noun

  jockey.
• Jock
  Jock

  noun

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

"Football is nothing without the fans," the legendary late former Scotland World Cup manager Jock Stein once said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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

“Getting that item to market that influencers have suddenly determined is this year’s must-have Christmas gift will be more challenging now,” trade economist Jock O’Connell said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2025

Since I’m not a total spaz with the racket, Ms. Connors pairs me off with Jock Goddess Nicole to demonstrate the game to the rest of the class.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson