jar

The word “jar” means a small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items. In plain terms, most often a glass container for food, or (as a verb) something that jolts you or feels out of place.

“Jar” is pronounced jah (/d͡ʒɑɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “jar” used in a sentence: “She kept a jar of homemade jam on the shelf.”

Depending on how it is used, “jar” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “jar” comes from French. The container sense traces back through French and Spanish to Arabic jarra, "earthen vessel"; the clashing/jolting sense developed separately in English as an imitation of a harsh, discordant sound.

“Jar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Jar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items.

A jar is a small, usually wide-mouthed container made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items. A jug is typically taller, has a handle and often a spout, and is used for pouring liquids. The key difference is that jars are made for storage while jugs are made for pouring.

As a verb, "jar" means to strike someone unpleasantly or to clash with something in a jolting, unsettling way. If a colour, sound, or remark "jars," it feels out of place and creates a discordant effect, as in "the bright wallpaper jarred with the antique furniture." It often appears as "jar with" or "jar on."

Both can describe a sudden physical shock, but "jolt" stresses an abrupt, sharp movement, while "jar" emphasises the unpleasant, unsettling vibration or clash that results. A pothole can jolt a car and jar the passengers inside.

As a noun, "jar" appears in phrases like jam jar, glass jar, cookie jar, and mason jar. As a verb, it commonly pairs with "with," "on," or "against," as in "the two colours jar with each other."