jumping jack

noun

1. a toy consisting of a jointed figure that is made to jump, move, or dance by pulling a string or stick attached to it.
2. Also called side-straddle hop [sahyd, -, strad, -l]. a conditioning exercise performed by starting from a standing position with legs together and arms resting at the sides and then jumping to a position with the legs spread apart and out to the sides while simultaneously extending the arms out from the sides to an overhead position with the hands touching and finishing by reversing these movements to return to the starting position.

jumping jack

noun

1. a firework having a long narrow tube filled with gunpowder, folded like an accordion so that when lit it burns with small explosions causing it to jump along the ground
2. a toy figure of a man with jointed limbs that can be moved by pulling attached strings

Word History and Origins

Origin of jumping jack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Attempting this record isn’t like doing the most jumping jacks or swimming the English Channel, categories in which, if you fail, you can regroup and try again.

From Washington Post

Meanwhile, the earbuds’ long narrow stem extended just past my earlobe for a balanced, snug fit that assured they stayed in place even as I jogged, rollerbladed, and did jumping jacks.

From Popular-Science

They might be doing jumping jacks, or they might be watching YouTube.

From Washington Post

Shoveling snow around your campsite or doing some good ol’ pushups or jumping jacks will do the trick.

From Popular-Science

Before you start alternating burpees and jumping jacks with recovery intervals, however, let’s look more closely at that claim.

From Washington Post

LaLanne was well-known for his many workouts, including the Jumping Jack (named after him) and the fingertip push-up.

From The Daily Beast

Workout icon Jack LaLanne, namesake of the "Jumping Jack," passed away Sunday at 96.

From The Daily Beast

One of Yung Pak's favourite toys was a wooden jumping-jack with a pasteboard tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls.

From Project Gutenberg

Before Bilby could reply or anybody else could speak, Copley came to his feet with all the suddenness of a jumping-jack.

From Project Gutenberg

His other hand caught me by the seat of the pants and he danced me into the room like a jumping jack.

From Project Gutenberg

Lieutenant Coffin of Company A was a busy officer, active as a jumping-jack, half liked and half distasted by the men.

From Project Gutenberg