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Definition of jackal

jackal

/ˈdʒæk.əl/
jack · al
Plural:jackals
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jackal Lexical Profile

jackal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A slender, long-legged wild dog native to Africa, Asia, and southeastern Europe, known for its opportunistic diet of scavenging and hunting small prey.

Example

"As the sun set over the savanna, the distinct howl of a jackal echoed across the plains."

2

A person who performs routine or menial tasks for another, often implying subservience, or someone who ruthlessly exploits the work or misfortune of others.

Example

"The corrupt executive was surrounded by a pack of jackals eager to profit from the company's downfall."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for jackal

• Nearby Words

jack in the pulpit
jack smelt
jack-in-the-pulpit
jackal
jackalberry
jackass
jackassery

Word Origin & Etymology

From Turkish 'çakal', which derives from Persian 'šağâl', ultimately tracing back to the Sanskrit word 'śṛgāla', meaning 'the howler'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jackal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jackal
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