Search Dictionary
Definition of jaywalker

jaywalker

/ˈdʒeɪˌwɔːk.ər/
jay · walk · er
Plural:jaywalkers
JUMP TO:

jaywalker Lexical Profile

jaywalker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A pedestrian who crosses or walks in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic and designated crosswalks.

Example

"The driver had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting a careless jaywalker who stepped out from between two parked cars."

• Nearby Words

jayhun
jayvee
jaywalk
jaywalker
jaywalking
jazz
jazzed

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th-century United States from early automotive slang 'jay' (a naive country bumpkin unfamiliar with city traffic rules) combined with 'walker'.

Cite this Entry

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