jar
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for jar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use jar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.
Full origin of jar →Frequently asked questions
What does “jar” mean?
The word “jar” means a small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items. In plain terms, most often a glass container for food, or (as a verb) something that jolts you or feels out of place.
How do you pronounce “jar”?
“Jar” is pronounced jah (/d͡ʒɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “jar” in a sentence?
Here is “jar” used in a sentence: “She kept a jar of homemade jam on the shelf.”
What part of speech is “jar”?
Depending on how it is used, “jar” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jar” come from?
The word “jar” comes from French. 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.
Is “jar” a common word?
“Jar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “jar” have?
“Jar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items.
What is the difference between a jar and a jug?
A jar is a small, usually wide-mouthed container made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items. A jug is typically taller, has a handle and often a spout, and is used for pouring liquids. The key difference is that jars are made for storage while jugs are made for pouring.
How is the verb "jar" used to describe a clash?
As a verb, "jar" means to strike someone unpleasantly or to clash with something in a jolting, unsettling way. If a colour, sound, or remark "jars," it feels out of place and creates a discordant effect, as in "the bright wallpaper jarred with the antique furniture." It often appears as "jar with" or "jar on."
What is the difference between "jar" and "jolt"?
Both can describe a sudden physical shock, but "jolt" stresses an abrupt, sharp movement, while "jar" emphasises the unpleasant, unsettling vibration or clash that results. A pothole can jolt a car and jar the passengers inside.
What are common collocations with "jar"?
As a noun, "jar" appears in phrases like jam jar, glass jar, cookie jar, and mason jar. As a verb, it commonly pairs with "with," "on," or "against," as in "the two colours jar with each other."