noun
jakes
jayks
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.”
noun
1
An old-fashioned word for an outdoor toilet or outhouse.
"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.
When to use it
Archaic — you'll mostly meet this in older literature (e.g. Shakespeare) rather than modern speech.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like jakes.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- jakeses
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.
Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include jakes:
