First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
1jump
verb \ˈjəmp\
: to move your body upward from the ground and often forward, backward, or sideways through the air by pushing with your legs
: to cause your body to drop or fall down from something by pushing with your legs
: to move forward through the air and over (something)
Full Definition of JUMP
intransitive verb
1
a : to spring into the air : leap; especially : to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs b : to move suddenly or involuntarily : start c : to move over a position occupied by an opponent's piece in a board game often thereby capturing the piece d : to undergo a vertical or lateral displacement owing to improper alignment of the film on a projector mechanism e : to start out or forward : begin —usually used with off <jump off to a big lead> f : to move energetically : hustle g : to go from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to another
3
a : to move haphazardly or irregularly : shift abruptly <jumped from job to job> b : to change or abandon employment especially in violation of contract c : to rise suddenly in rank or status d : to undergo a sudden sharp change in value <prices jumped> e : to make a jump in bridge f : to make a hurried judgment <jump to conclusions> g : to show eagerness <jumped at the chance> h : to enter eagerly <jump on the bandwagon>
4
: to make a sudden physical or verbal attack <jumped on him for his criticism>
5
: to bustle with activity <the restaurant was jumping>
transitive verb
1
a : to leap over <jump a hurdle> b : to move over (a piece) in a board game c : to act, move, or begin before (as a signal) <jump the green light> d : to leap aboard <jump a freight>
3
a : to escape from : avoid b : to leave hastily or in violation of contract <jump town without paying their bills — Hamilton Basso> c : to depart from (a normal course) <jump the track>
4
a : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack on b : to occupy illegally <jump a mining claim>
5
a (1) : to cause to leap (2) : to cause (game) to break cover : start, flush b : to elevate in rank or status c : to raise (a bridge partner's bid) by more than one rank d : to increase suddenly and sharply
— jump bail
: to abscond after being released from prison on bail
— jump ship
1
: to leave the company of a ship without authority
2
: to desert a cause or party especially abruptly
— jump the gun
1
: to start in a race before the starting signal
2
: to act, move, or begin something before the proper time
— jump the queue
British : to advance directly to or as if to the head of a line
— jump the shark
: to undergo a significant change for the worse that marks the point at which a period of success ends (as for a TV series)
See jump defined for English-language learners
See jump defined for kids
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Origin of JUMP
probably akin to Low German gumpen to jump
2jump
adverb
3jump
noun
: an act of jumping
: a sudden movement because of surprise or shock
: something to be jumped over
Full Definition of JUMP
1
a (1) : an act of jumping : leap (2) : any of several sports competitions featuring a leap, spring, or bound (3) : a leap in figure skating in which the skater leaves the ice with both feet and turns in the air (4) : a space cleared or covered by a leap (5) : an obstacle to be jumped over or from b : a sudden involuntary movement : start c : a move made in a board game by jumping d : a transfer from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to a different sequence
2
obsolete : venture
3
a (1) : a sharp sudden increase (2) : a bid in bridge of more tricks than are necessary to overcall the preceding bid — compare shift b : an abrupt change or transition c (1) : a quick short journey (2) : one in a series of moves from one place to another d : the portion of a published item (as a newspaper article or story) that comprises the continuation of an item that begins on a preceding page
4
: an advantage at the start <getting the jump on the competition>
5
: jazz music with a fast tempo
See jump defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of JUMP
circa 1552
Related to JUMP
JUMPING Defined for Kids
1jump
verb \ˈjəmp\
jumpedjump·ing
Definition of JUMP for Kids
1
: to spring into the air : leap
2
: to pass over or cause to pass over with or as if with a leap <Our dog tried to jump the fence.>
3
: to make a sudden movement <The sudden noise made me jump.>
4
: to make a sudden attack <“Are you trying to make hash out of little Willie with all five of you jumping on him at once?” — Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking>
5
: to have or cause a sudden sharp increase <Food prices have jumped.>
6
: to make a hasty judgment <Don't jump to conclusions.>
— jump the gun
1
: to start in a race before the starting signal
2
: to do something before the proper time
2jump
noun
Definition of JUMP for Kids
1
: an act or instance of leaping <He made a running jump.>
2
: a sudden involuntary movement : start <He gave a jump when she came in.>
3
: a sharp sudden increase <a jump in temperature>
4
: an initial advantage <We got the jump on the other team.>
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