noun
jaywalking
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 notesIn 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.