First Known Use: 1526
Dictionary
1jar
verb \ˈjär\
: to have a harsh or unpleasant effect on someone or something
: to hit or shake (something) forcefully
: to make (someone) feel uneasy
jarredjar·ring
Full Definition of JAR
intransitive verb
1
a : to make a harsh or discordant sound b : to have a harshly disagreeable or disconcerting effect c : to be out of harmony; specifically : bicker
2
: to undergo severe vibration
transitive verb
: to cause to jar: as a : to affect disagreeably : unsettle b : to make unstable or loose : shake <jar the ball free>
— jar·ring·ly \ˈjär-iŋ-lē\ adverb
See jar defined for English-language learners
See jar defined for kids
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Origin of JAR
probably of imitative origin
Related to JAR
2jar
noun
Definition of JAR
1
a : a state or manifestation of discord or conflict b : a harsh grating sound
2
a : a sudden or unexpected shake b : an unsettling shock c : an unpleasant break or conflict in rhythm, flow, or transition
First Known Use of JAR
1537
3jar
noun
Definition of JAR
1
: a widemouthed container made typically of earthenware or glass
2
: as much as a jar will hold
— jar·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
Origin of JAR
Middle French jarre, from Old Occitan jarra, from Arabic jarra earthen water vessel
First Known Use: 1592
4jar
noun
Definition of JAR
archaic : the position of being ajar —usually used in the phrase on the jar
Origin of JAR
alteration of earlier char turn, from Middle English — more at chare
First Known Use: 1674
JAR Defined for Kids
1jar
noun \ˈjär\
Definition of JAR for Kids
1
: a usually glass or pottery container with a wide mouth
2
: the contents of a jar <We ate a jar of pickles.>
2jar
verb
jarredjar·ring
Definition of JAR for Kids
1
: to shake or cause to shake hard <Jonas was jarred loose and thrown violently into the air. — Lois Lowry, The Giver>
2
: to have a disagreeable effect <The music jarred on my ears.>
3jar
noun
Definition of JAR for Kids
1
: 2jolt 1 <They felt the jar of the plane landing.>
2
: 2shock 1 <… the sound of his voice went through me with a jar. — Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped>
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