jackal Definition
- 1a wild dog-like mammal of the genus Canis, native to Africa and Asia
- 2a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as a subordinate
- 3a person who seeks to gain advantage by flattering influential people
Using jackal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "jackal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The jackal is known for its distinctive howl.
Example
He was a jackal in the criminal organization, doing the dirty work for his boss.
Example
She was a political jackal, always seeking to gain favor with those in power.
jackal Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with jackal
Example
As the sun set, the cry of the jackal echoed across the savannah.
jackal and hyde
a reference to the novel 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', used to describe someone who has two very different sides to their personality
Example
He's a real jackal and hyde - one minute he's friendly and charming, the next he's angry and aggressive.
a bird of prey found in southern Africa, named for its habit of scavenging like a jackal
Example
The jackal buzzard soared high above the plains, searching for its next meal.
Summary: jackal in Brief
A 'jackal' [ˈdʒækəl] is a wild dog-like mammal native to Africa and Asia. It is also used to describe a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as a subordinate, or a person who seeks to gain advantage by flattering influential people. The term is extended into phrases like 'cry of the jackal,' which refers to the animal's distinctive howl, and 'jackal and hyde,' which describes someone with two very different sides to their personality.
