j

1 of 3

noun

ˈjā How to pronounce j (audio)
plural j's or js ˈjāz How to pronounce j (audio)
often capitalized, often attributive
1
a
: the 10th letter of the English alphabet
b
: a speech counterpart of orthographic j (as j in jump)
2
a
: a graphic device for reproducing the letter j
b
: a unit vector parallel to the y-axis
3
: one designated j especially as the 10th in order or class
4
: something shaped like the letter J
5
J, plural J's or Js, basketball, informal : jump shot
… she flicked a pass to the corner, where Lawson nailed a J to tie the game at 51. Hank Hersch

j

2 of 3

abbreviation (1)

1
jack
2
journal
3
judge; justice

J

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

joule

Example Sentences

Noun a word that begins with a j a word that begins with j

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of j was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near j

J

j

j'accuse

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“J.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/j. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

j

noun
ˈjā
often capitalized
: the 10th letter of the English alphabet

Medical Definition

J

symbol
mechanical equivalent of heat

Legal Definition

J.

abbreviation
1
judge
2
justice
3
judgment

More from Merriam-Webster on j

Nglish: Translation of j for Spanish Speakers

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