Meaning & Definition of word "Jump"

Jump

/dʒʌmp/

noun:

  • 1. an act of jumping.
    • Example: With a great jump, he cleared the puddle.
  • 2. a sudden increase or change in something.
    • Example: There was a jump in sales after the new advertising campaign.
  • 3. a leap or bound.
    • Example: The jump from the second floor was dangerous.

verb:

  • 1. to spring into the air from the ground or from a support by a muscular effort of the legs and body.
    • Example: The dog can jump over the fence without any trouble.
  • 2. to move suddenly or quickly in a specified direction.
    • Example: She jumped back in surprise when she saw the spider.
  • 3. to start or begin abruptly or suddenly.
    • Example: He jumped right into the project without waiting for instructions.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French jmper, from Latin 'salitare' meaning 'to leap'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

jump to conclusions:

to make a decision or form an opinion hastily without sufficient information

jump ship:

to leave a situation, often in a difficult or dangerous context

jump on the bandwagon:

to join a popular activity or trend

jump out of one's skin:

to react with shock or surprise

Related Words

jumper:

a person who jumps, especially in sports

jumping:

the act of leaping off the ground

jumpstart:

to start or revive something by hitting it, often used metaphorically

jumping jack:

a physical exercise, also an acrobatic movement

Slang Meanings of jump

Meaning: jump the gun

Example Sentence: He jumped the gun by starting the race early.

Meaning: jumping someone

Example Sentence: They jumped him in the alley.

Meaning: jump on

Example Sentence: She jumped on that opportunity as soon as it came up.