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noun

jaywalking

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Jaywalking (noun) means crossing a street illegally or carelessly, away from a crosswalk or against traffic signals. Example: “He got a ticket for jaywalking in front of a police car.”

noun
1
Crossing a street illegally or carelessly, away from a crosswalk or against traffic signals.
"He got a ticket for jaywalking in front of a police car."
"Jaywalking is technically illegal in many cities, though rarely enforced."

How to use jaywalking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCrossing the road somewhere you're not supposed to.

Common pairings
jaywalking ticket caught jaywalking
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He got a ticket for _____ in front of a police car.

Etymology

Built from "jay," an old term for a foolish or naive person, plus "walking" — the idea being that only a fool would cross carelessly.

Rhymes for jaywalking

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Frequently asked questions

What does “jaywalking” mean?
The word “jaywalking” means crossing a street illegally or carelessly, away from a crosswalk or against traffic signals. In plain terms, crossing the road somewhere you're not supposed to.
How do you use “jaywalking” in a sentence?
Here is “jaywalking” used in a sentence: “He got a ticket for jaywalking in front of a police car.”
What part of speech is “jaywalking”?
“Jaywalking” is a noun.
What is the meaning of jaywalking?
"jaywalking" (noun) means crossing a street illegally or carelessly, away from a crosswalk or against traffic signals.