jackal
2 synonyms for jackal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A wild, dog-like animal related to wolves, native to Africa and parts of Asia, typically smaller than a wolf.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use jackal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pack of jackals
act like a jackal
Etymology
Passed into English through French "chacal", ultimately from Persian "šaġâl", itself from an ancient Sanskrit word for the animal.
Full origin of jackal →Frequently asked questions
What does “jackal” mean?
The word “jackal” means a wild, dog-like animal related to wolves, native to Africa and parts of Asia, typically smaller than a wolf. In plain terms, a wild wolf-like scavenger animal, or (figuratively) someone who preys on others or does dirty work for a stronger party.
How do you pronounce “jackal”?
“Jackal” is pronounced JA-kuhl (/ˈd͡ʒækəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “jackal” in a sentence?
Here is “jackal” used in a sentence: “A pack of jackals circled the carcass left by the lions.”
What part of speech is “jackal”?
“Jackal” is a noun.
Where does the word “jackal” come from?
The word “jackal” comes from French. Passed into English through French "chacal", ultimately from Persian "šaġâl", itself from an ancient Sanskrit word for the animal.
How many meanings does “jackal” have?
“Jackal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wild, dog-like animal related to wolves, native to Africa and parts of Asia, typically smaller than a wolf.
