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Joneses

American  
[john-ziz] / ˈdʒoʊn zɪz /

plural noun

  1. one's neighbors, friends, business associates, etc..

    Keeping up with the Joneses has put him in debt.


Etymology

Origin of Joneses

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

Harries has taken photos of the two Meg Joneses together through the years in the hope that one day the two will complete the montage by posing together after facing each other at senior level.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The Joneses were especially busy during the fall of 2024 raising two sons as elite athletes as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Revenue growth at these companies should support the spending for now, but keeping up with the AI Joneses is also eventually going to require more debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

With TikTok and Instagram reels constantly bombarding you with ads and influencer promotions, it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out if you’re not buying the latest products and keeping up with the Joneses.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2025

But the Joneses knew there were more sheriffs lurking in towns throughout Illinois and across the northern states.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

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