jump seat

American  

noun

1. a movable or folding seat, as in a carriage, taxicab, or limousine, used as an extra seat.

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jump seat British  

noun

1. a folding seat for temporary use, as on the flight deck of some aircraft for an additional crew member

2. a folding seat in a motor vehicle such as in a London taxi

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Etymology

Origin of jump seat

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Mr. Emerson was off duty during the flight, and was riding in the cockpit jump seat.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023

The Horizon close call could result in the re-examination of the practice of letting off-duty pilots or other airline employees sit in the cockpit jump seat.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

In that movie and the real-life tale it was based on, by pretending to be a pilot, Abagnale hitched his way across the world on jump seat after jump seat.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2023

When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied it’s often filled by an off-duty pilot, but the seat can be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.

From Washington Times • Oct. 23, 2023

Ralph lowered his legs; the jump seat popped right back vertical as though it had already forgotten him.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen