jam
/dʒæm/- 1.
A sweet food made by cooking fruit with sugar until it becomes thick and spreadable.
- I like strawberry jam on toast.
- She bought a jar of mango jam.
- This jam is less sweet than usual.
- 2.
A crowded situation where people or things cannot move easily.
- There was a traffic jam on the highway.
- We were stuck in a crowd jam.
- The concert caused a big jam at the gate.
To push or fit something tightly into a space, often with difficulty. It can also mean to become stuck.
- He jammed the paper into the bag.
- The door jammed halfway open.
- Don't jam the drawer shut.
Adinary Nuance
Jam is a very broad word, so its meaning depends on context. As a noun, it can mean sweet fruit spread or a traffic problem, while squeeze and stuff are different verbs for putting things into a space. Compared with block, jam often suggests tight pressure or a sudden stuck feeling. In spoken English, jam is common and natural in both everyday and business situations.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mứt
- Spanish
- mermelada
- Chinese
- 果酱
- Japanese
- ジャム
- Korean
- 잼
Etymology
Jam came into English in the 18th century, first for fruit preserve. It may come from French jambe or an earlier related word, but the exact source is unclear. The verb use developed later from the idea of forcing things tightly together.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is jam the same as preserve?
- Jam is usually softer and smoother. Preserve often has larger fruit pieces.
- What is the difference between jam and traffic jam?
- Jam can mean both. In traffic jam, it means vehicles are stuck and cannot move well.
- Is jam a formal word?
- No, it is common and neutral. It works well in speaking and everyday writing.
- Can I say 'jammed' for a stuck door?
- Yes. You can say, 'The door jammed.'