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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.

See Examples For:

Mpoyi not only acknowledges that the Joneses have supported him but also has shown protective instincts with the family.

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

Using private equity to keep up with the Joneses has the fatal flaw that the Joneses have their own access to capital.

From Slate ● Dec. 12, 2024

The efforts of the Joneses and their abolitionist friends had borne fruit.

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

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