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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more ajar comparative, ajarred past tense, ajarred past tense, Ajars plural, ajars singular, ajars singular, most ajar superlative

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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."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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half-open partly open cracked open unlatched

Related words

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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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Words with old & middle English origins

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