noun

jive

JYV

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Jive (noun) means a lively swing dance, or the jazz/swing music it's danced to. Example: “The band struck up a jive number and the floor filled instantly.”

noun

A lively swing dance, or the jazz/swing music it's danced to.

"The band struck up a jive number and the floor filled instantly."

Nonsense or empty, misleading talk.

"Cut the jive and tell me what actually happened."

"His excuse was just a bunch of jive."

verb

To deceive or talk misleadingly.

"Don't jive me — I know you were there."

To fit or agree with something.

"That explanation doesn't jive with what she told me earlier."

How to use jive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a style of swing dance/music, or slang for nonsense talk or deception.

Common mistake

Don't confuse this sense of "jive" (nonsense, or agree with) with "jibe," which more traditionally means "to be consistent with" — many writers use them interchangeably today, but careful style guides keep them separate.

Easily confused with

jibe →

Common pairings

talk jive doesn't jive with

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: jives
Third person singular: jives
Past tense: jived

Test yourself on “jive” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The band struck up a _____ number and the floor filled instantly.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; the word rose in African-American slang, possibly linked to gyve ("shackle") or a West African source meaning idle talk.

Synonyms

View more →

swing swing music flummery bullshit

Related words

shit cut hang afford fake bullshit crap bull

Rhymes for jive

five give dive live olive drive alive dative endive strive derive active

See all rhymes for jive →

Frequently asked questions

What does “jive” mean?

The word “jive” means a lively swing dance, or the jazz/swing music it's danced to. In plain terms, either a style of swing dance/music, or slang for nonsense talk or deception.

How do you pronounce “jive”?

“Jive” is pronounced JYV (/ˈd͡ʒaɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “jive” in a sentence?

Here is “jive” used in a sentence: “The band struck up a jive number and the floor filled instantly.”

What part of speech is “jive”?

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

How many meanings does “jive” have?

“Jive” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lively swing dance, or the jazz/swing music it's danced to.

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