jar
jah
Jar (noun) means a small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items. Example: “The children caught a few tadpoles and kept them in a glass jar.”
noun
1
A small container, usually made of glass or clay, used for storing food or other items.
"The children caught a few tadpoles and kept them in a glass jar."
"She kept a jar of homemade jam on the shelf."
"He unscrewed the lid of the pickle jar."
verb
1
To strike a person unpleasantly, or to clash with something in a jolting, unsettling way.
"The harsh colours of the new sign jarred against the quiet old street."
"The sudden noise jarred her out of a deep sleep."
"His blunt comment jarred with the friendly mood of the room."
How to use jar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often a glass container for food, or (as a verb) something that jolts you or feels out of place.
Common mistake
In British slang, "a jar" can also mean a pint of beer — context makes clear which meaning is intended.
Common pairings
jam jar
jar of pickles
jar the nerves
jar with
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Word forms
- Plural
- jars
- Third person singular
- jars
- Past tense
- jarred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children caught a few tadpoles and kept them in a glass _____.
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “jar” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “jar”?
“Jar” is pronounced jah (/d͡ʒɑɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “jar” in a sentence?
Here is “jar” used in a sentence: “She kept a jar of homemade jam on the shelf.”
What part of speech is “jar”?
Depending on how it is used, “jar” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jar” come from?
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.
Is “jar” a common word?
“Jar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “jar” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a jar and a jug?
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.
How is the verb "jar" used to describe a clash?
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."
What is the difference between "jar" and "jolt"?
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.
What are common collocations with "jar"?
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."
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