adj
ajar
uh-JAH
Ajar (adj) means Slightly open, not fully shut. Example: “She left the door ajar so the cat could get in.”
adj
1
Slightly open, not fully shut.
"She left the door ajar so the cat could get in."
"The window was ajar, letting in a cool breeze."
How to use ajar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a door or window that is open just a little bit, not wide open and not fully closed.
Common pairings
leave the door ajar
slightly ajar
the window stood ajar
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ajars
- Past tense
- ajarred
- Comparative
- more ajar
- Superlative
- most ajar
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She left the door _____ so the cat could get in.
Etymology
From Middle English "on char," meaning "on the turn," from Old English cierr ("a turn"). Over time "on char" fused into the single word "ajar."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ajar” mean?
The word “ajar” means slightly open, not fully shut. In plain terms, describes a door or window that is open just a little bit, not wide open and not fully closed.
How do you pronounce “ajar”?
“Ajar” is pronounced uh-JAH (/əˈd͡ʒɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ajar” in a sentence?
Here is “ajar” used in a sentence: “She left the door ajar so the cat could get in.”
What part of speech is “ajar”?
“Ajar” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ajar” come from?
The word “ajar” comes from Old English. From Middle English "on char," meaning "on the turn," from Old English cierr ("a turn"). Over time "on char" fused into the single word "ajar.".
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