noun

jar

jah

noun

A small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items.

"She kept a jar of homemade jam on the shelf."

"He unscrewed the lid of the pickle jar."

verb

To strike a person unpleasantly, or to clash with something in a jolting, unsettling way.

"The sudden noise jarred her out of a deep sleep."

"His blunt comment jarred with the friendly mood of the room."

How to Use Jar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost often a glass container for food, or (as a verb) something that jolts you or feels out of place.

Common mistake

In British slang, "a jar" can also mean a pint of beer — context makes clear which meaning is intended.

Common pairings

jam jar jar of pickles jar the nerves jar with

Word Forms

jarred past tense, jarred past tense, jars plural, jars plural, jars singular, jars singular

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She kept a _____ of homemade jam on the shelf.

Etymology

The container sense traces back through French and Spanish to Arabic jarra, "earthen vessel"; the clashing/jolting sense developed separately in English as an imitation of a harsh, discordant sound.

Rhymes for jar

ajar

See all rhymes for jar →