Search Dictionary
Definition of jack in the pulpit

jack in the pulpit

Plural:jacks in the pulpit
JUMP TO:

• noun

1

North American A North American woodland flowering plant (Arisaema triphyllum) of the arum family, noted for its distinctive hooded green-and-purple striped floral bract (spathe) that arches over an upright club-shaped flower spike (spadix) like a preacher standing in a covered pulpit.

Example

"Along the shaded forest trail, we spotted a jack in the pulpit blooming among the damp ferns."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jack in the pulpit

• Nearby Words

jack
jack bean
jack dempsey
jack in the pulpit
jack smelt
jack-in-the-pulpit
jackal

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jack in the pulpit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jack-in-the-pulpit
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.