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Definition of jaywalk

jaywalk

/ˈdʒeɪˌwɔːk/
jay · walk
Past Simple:jaywalked
•
Past Participle:jaywalked
•
Present Participle:jaywalking
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jaywalk Lexical Profile

jaywalk Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

North American To cross or walk in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic.

Example

"Pedestrians who jaywalk across the busy downtown boulevard risk receiving a citation from the traffic police."

• Nearby Words

jaybird
jayhun
jayvee
jaywalk
jaywalker
jaywalking
jazz

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early 20th-century American English as a back-formation from 'jaywalker', combining 'jay' (midwestern slang for a naive country bumpkin unfamiliar with city traffic rules) and 'walk'.

Cite this Entry

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