noun
jamb
jam
Jamb (noun) means Either of the two upright side posts of a doorway, window or fireplace, which the frame and hinges are fixed to. Example: “The lock had splintered the door jamb.”
noun
1
Either of the two upright side posts of a doorway, window or fireplace, which the frame and hinges are fixed to.
"The lock had splintered the door jamb."
"He measured the jamb before ordering the new door."
How to use jamb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe upright bit at the side of a door or window that the door shuts against.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in building, joinery and DIY.
Memory tip
Keep the silent b in writing: door jam is a spelling error, though it is extremely common.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
jamb vs jam
jamb vs frame
jamb vs stud
Common pairings
door jamb
window jamb
jamb and head
replace the jamb
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The lock had splintered the door _____.
Etymology
From Old French jambe 'leg', from Late Latin gamba 'hoof, leg'. The upright side of a doorway was pictured as its leg.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for jamb
See all rhymes for jamb →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a door jamb and a door frame?
The jamb is a single upright piece at the side of the opening, and every doorway has two. The frame is the whole assembly, meaning both jambs plus the head across the top and, in some cases, the sill at the bottom.
How is jamb pronounced?
It rhymes with ham. The b is silent, exactly as in lamb and comb.
What is a jamb and a stud?
A stud is a vertical timber inside a wall that carries load; a jamb is the finished upright at the edge of an opening, usually fixed to the studs around it. Builders often talk about a king stud and a jack stud supporting the jamb.
What is the meaning of jamb?
"jamb" (noun) means either of the two upright side posts of a doorway, window or fireplace, which the frame and hinges are fixed to.
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