noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

jug

juhg

Jug (noun) means a container for liquids with a handle and a narrow opening, used for pouring. Example: “She filled the jug with fresh orange juice.”

noun

A container for liquids with a handle and a narrow opening, used for pouring.

"She filled the jug with fresh orange juice."

"Pour the milk from the jug into the glass."

Informal for jail.

"He spent a night in the jug after the bar fight."

verb

To put someone in jail.

"They jugged him for a week over the missed court date."

How to use jug

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost often a pitcher for pouring drinks; informally, also slang for jail.

When to use it

The "jail" and "detention" senses are informal or slang.

Common pairings

a jug of water a jug of milk thrown in the jug

Word forms

jugged past tense, jugged past tense, jugged past tense, jugs plural, jugs plural, jugs plural, jugs singular, jugs singular, jugs singular

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She filled the _____ with fresh orange juice.

Etymology

From Middle English jugge, of uncertain origin; the "jail" sense has been recorded in British English since at least the 1820s.

Origin: Middle English · First attested 1820

Class of 1820 jug joined the language around 1820.

boko deadbeat screwy wanna

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Synonyms

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jail lag remand imprison gaol jugful immure put away incarcerate put behind bars

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “jug” mean?

The word “jug” means a container for liquids with a handle and a narrow opening, used for pouring. In plain terms, most often a pitcher for pouring drinks; informally, also slang for jail.

How do you pronounce “jug”?

“Jug” is pronounced juhg (/d͡ʒʌɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “jug” in a sentence?

Here is “jug” used in a sentence: “She filled the jug with fresh orange juice.”

What part of speech is “jug”?

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

Where does the word “jug” come from?

The word “jug” dates back to around 1820 and comes from Middle English. From Middle English jugge, of uncertain origin; the "jail" sense has been recorded in British English since at least the 1820s.

Is “jug” a common word?

“Jug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “jug” have?

“Jug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a container for liquids with a handle and a narrow opening, used for pouring.

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