jam Definition
- 1a sweet spread or preserve made from fruit and sugar boiled to a thick consistency
- 2a difficult situation, often caused by too many things happening at the same time
- 3to press or squeeze something tightly between two surfaces or objects
Using jam: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "jam" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I like to have jam on my toast in the morning.
Example
We were in a traffic jam for hours.
Example
I accidentally jammed my finger in the door.
Example
The printer is jammed with paper.
jam Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using jam
Example
I'm in a jam because I lost my wallet and don't have any money.
Example
Don't believe his promises of jam tomorrow; he's been saying that for years.
jam up
to become stuck or blocked
Example
The machine jammed up and we had to call a technician to fix it.
Phrases with jam
jam-packed
completely full or crowded
Example
The concert was jam-packed with fans.
Example
After the show, the band had a jam session in the green room.
Example
He had to jam on the brakes to avoid hitting the deer.
Origins of jam
originated from the Old French word 'jamb', meaning 'a jam or mass of people or things'
Summary: jam in Brief
The term 'jam' [dʒæm] refers to a sweet spread made from fruit and sugar, as well as a difficult situation or the act of pressing or squeezing something tightly. Examples include 'I like to have jam on my toast in the morning' and 'The printer is jammed with paper.' Phrases like 'jam-packed' and idioms like 'in a jam' extend the concept of being crowded or in a difficult situation.
