jakes
Jakes (noun) means an old-fashioned word for an outdoor toilet or outhouse. Example: “The old farmhouse still had a jakes out behind the barn.”
How to use jakes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated, euphemistic word for an outhouse or lavatory.
Archaic — you'll mostly meet this in older literature (e.g. Shakespeare) rather than modern speech.
Word forms
jakeses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old farmhouse still had a _____ out behind the barn.
Etymology
From a Middle English variant of the name "Jack" or "Jacques," later used euphemistically for the toilet, much like "the John" is used today.
Rhymes for jakes
See all rhymes for jakes →Frequently asked questions
What does “jakes” mean?
The word “jakes” means an old-fashioned word for an outdoor toilet or outhouse. In plain terms, a dated, euphemistic word for an outhouse or lavatory.
How do you pronounce “jakes”?
“Jakes” is pronounced jayks (/d͡ʒeɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “jakes” in a sentence?
Here is “jakes” used in a sentence: “The old farmhouse still had a jakes out behind the barn.”
What part of speech is “jakes”?
“Jakes” is a noun.
Where does the word “jakes” come from?
The word “jakes” comes from Middle English. From a Middle English variant of the name "Jack" or "Jacques," later used euphemistically for the toilet, much like "the John" is used today.
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