Foundational/Elementary words that begin with J

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with J

Ready to embark on a word adventure? Today, we’re focusing on words that start with the letter J. These words are essential building blocks for your vocabulary and will help you become a stronger reader and writer.

List of Elementary words that begin with J

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with J with meanings and example

Jab

• Meaning: A quick, sharp blow or thrust.
• Example: He gave his friend a playful jab in the ribs.

Jacket

• Meaning: A short coat.
• Example: She wore a warm jacket to protect herself from the cold.

Jade

• Meaning: A hard, typically green stone used for ornaments.
• Example: The bracelet was made of beautiful jade.

Jail

• Meaning: A place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime.
• Example: The thief was sentenced to five years in jail.

Jam

• Meaning: A sweet spread made from fruit and sugar.
• Example: She spread strawberry jam on her toast.

Jamboree

• Meaning: A large, organized gathering, typically a celebration.
• Example: The scouts attended an international jamboree.

January

• Meaning: The first month of the year.
• Example: The new year begins in January.

Japan

• Meaning: A country in East Asia.
• Example: She plans to visit Japan next summer.

Jar

• Meaning: A wide-mouthed, cylindrical container.
• Example: The cookies were stored in a glass jar.

Jasmine

• Meaning: A fragrant flower often used in perfumes.
• Example: The garden was filled with the scent of jasmine.

Jaw

• Meaning: The lower part of the face that moves when you open your mouth.
• Example: He clenched his jaw in anger.

Jay

• Meaning: A type of bird with bright plumage.
• Example: A blue jay perched on the fence.

Jazz

• Meaning: A genre of music characterized by swing and blue notes.
• Example: They enjoyed listening to live jazz at the club.

Jealous

• Meaning: Feeling or showing envy of someone.
• Example: She was jealous of her friend’s success.

Jealousy

• Meaning: The state of being jealous.
• Example: His jealousy caused many arguments.

Jeans

• Meaning: Pants made of denim.
• Example: She bought a new pair of jeans.

Jeep

• Meaning: A small, sturdy motor vehicle with four-wheel drive.
• Example: They drove a jeep through the rugged terrain.

Jelly

• Meaning: A soft, sweet food made from fruit juice and sugar.
• Example: The children enjoyed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Jellyfish

• Meaning: A sea creature with a jelly-like body and tentacles.
• Example: They saw a jellyfish while swimming in the ocean.

Jewelry

• Meaning: Ornaments such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets.
• Example: She wore beautiful jewelry to the party.

Jigsaw

• Meaning: A puzzle made up of many small pieces.
• Example: They spent hours working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Job

• Meaning: A paid position of regular employment.
• Example: He found a job as a teacher.

Jog

• Meaning: To run at a steady, gentle pace.
• Example: She likes to jog in the park every morning.

Jogging

• Meaning: The activity of running at a steady pace.
• Example: Jogging is a great way to stay fit.

Join

• Meaning: To become a member of a group or organization.
• Example: She decided to join the club.

Joint

• Meaning: A point where two parts are connected.
• Example: He felt pain in his knee joint.

Joke

• Meaning: Something said or done to cause laughter.
• Example: He told a funny joke.

Joker

• Meaning: A person who likes to make jokes.
• Example: He’s always been the joker in the group.

Jolly

• Meaning: Happy and cheerful.
• Example: He was in a jolly mood.

Journal

• Meaning: A daily record of news and events.
• Example: She keeps a journal of her travels.

Journalist

• Meaning: A person who writes for newspapers or magazines.
• Example: She works as a journalist for a local newspaper.

Journey

• Meaning: The act of traveling from one place to another.
• Example: They embarked on a long journey.

Joy

• Meaning: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
• Example: Her face lit up with joy.

Joyful

• Meaning: Full of joy.
• Example: The children were joyful on Christmas morning.

Joyous

• Meaning: Full of happiness and joy.
• Example: It was a joyous occasion.

Judge

• Meaning: A person who presides over a court.
• Example: The judge listened to both sides of the argument.

Judgment

• Meaning: The ability to make considered decisions.
• Example: He showed good judgment in his decision.

Juice

• Meaning: The liquid from fruits or vegetables.
• Example: She drank a glass of orange juice.

Juicy

• Meaning: Full of juice.
• Example: The steak was tender and juicy.

July

• Meaning: The seventh month of the year.
• Example: They are planning a vacation in July.

Jump

• Meaning: To push oneself off a surface and into the air.
• Example: The cat can jump very high.

Jumper

• Meaning: A sweater or pullover.
• Example: She wore a warm jumper on the chilly day.

June

• Meaning: The sixth month of the year.
• Example: School ends in June.

Jungle

• Meaning: A dense forest in a tropical area.
• Example: They explored the jungle during their trip.

Junior

• Meaning: Younger or lower in rank.
• Example: He is a junior member of the team.

Junk

• Meaning: Old or discarded items.
• Example: They cleared out all the junk from the garage.

Junkyard

• Meaning: A place where old or discarded vehicles and other items are collected.
• Example: The car was taken to the junkyard.

Jury

• Meaning: A group of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case.
• Example: The jury found the defendant guilty.

Just

• Meaning: Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
• Example: He is a just and fair leader.

Justice

• Meaning: The quality of being fair and reasonable.
• Example: The fight for justice continues.

Justify

• Meaning: To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
• Example: He tried to justify his actions.

Juggle

• Meaning: To continuously toss and catch several objects.
• Example: He can juggle three balls at once.

Juggler

• Meaning: A person who juggles objects.
• Example: The juggler entertained the crowd at the circus.

Jumpy

• Meaning: Nervous or anxious.
• Example: The loud noise made him jumpy.

Juvenile

• Meaning: For or relating to young people.
• Example: The library has a section for juvenile literature.

Juxtapose

• Meaning: To place side by side for contrast.
• Example: The artist likes to juxtapose bright colors with dark ones.

Jaunt

• Meaning: A short journey for pleasure.
• Example: They went on a weekend jaunt to the countryside.

Javelin

• Meaning: A light spear thrown in a competitive sport.
• Example: He competed in the javelin throw at the track meet.

Jest

• Meaning: A joke or witty remark.
• Example: He said it in jest, but she took it seriously.

Jester

• Meaning: A professional joker or fool at a medieval court.
• Example: The king’s jester entertained the court.

Jumbo

• Meaning: Very large.
• Example: They ordered a jumbo-sized pizza.

Jumble

• Meaning: An untidy collection or pile of things.
• Example: His room was a jumble of books and papers.

Jurisdiction

• Meaning: The official power to make legal decisions.
• Example: The case falls under the jurisdiction of the federal court.

Jute

• Meaning: A natural fiber used for making ropes and sacks.
• Example: The bags were made of jute.

Jargon

• Meaning: Special words or expressions used by a profession or group.
• Example: Medical jargon can be confusing for patients.

Jocular

• Meaning: Fond of or characterized by joking.
• Example: His jocular personality made him popular at parties.

Joist

• Meaning: A length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of a building.
• Example: The floor is supported by wooden joists.

Jolting

• Meaning: Shaking or jerking suddenly.
• Example: The bus ride was jolting and uncomfortable.

Journeyman

• Meaning: A trained worker who is employed by someone else.
• Example: He worked as a journeyman electrician.

Jugular

• Meaning: Of or relating to the neck or throat.
• Example: The surgeon carefully avoided the jugular vein.

Jabber

• Meaning: To talk rapidly and excitedly but with little sense.
• Example: The children were jabbering excitedly.

Jackal

• Meaning: A wild dog found in Africa and Asia.
• Example: The jackal is known for its cunning and resourcefulness.

Jackpot

• Meaning: A large cash prize in a game or lottery.
• Example: She won the jackpot at the casino.

Jagged

• Meaning: Having sharp, uneven edges or surfaces.
• Example: The broken glass had jagged edges.

Jailor

• Meaning: A person in charge of a jail or the prisoners in it.
• Example: The jailor locked the cell door.

Jangle

• Meaning: To make a discordant ringing sound.
• Example: The keys jangled in his pocket.

Jarring

• Meaning: Causing a physical shock or jolt.
• Example: The sudden stop was jarring.

Jawbone

• Meaning: The bone of the lower jaw.
• Example: He felt pain in his jawbone.

Jaywalker

• Meaning: A person who crosses the street illegally or recklessly.
• Example: The jaywalker was fined by the police.

Jazzy

• Meaning: Lively, bright, and colorful.
• Example: She wore a jazzy outfit to the party.

Jeering

• Meaning: Making rude and mocking remarks.
• Example: The crowd was jeering at the losing team.

Jeopardize

• Meaning: To put at risk or in danger.
• Example: His actions could jeopardize the mission.

Jerky

• Meaning: Characterized by abrupt starts and stops.
• Example: The car moved in a jerky manner.

Jewel

• Meaning: A precious stone.
• Example: The crown was adorned with jewels.

Jiggle

• Meaning: To move up and down or side to side with small quick movements.
• Example: She jiggled the key in the lock.

Jingle

• Meaning: A light ringing sound.
• Example: The bells on the door jingle when it opens.

Jinx

• Meaning: A person or thing that brings bad luck.
• Example: They joked that he was a jinx on the team.

Jocund

• Meaning: Cheerful and lighthearted.
• Example: The jocund atmosphere at the party was contagious.

Jointly

• Meaning: In a way that involves two or more parties together.
• Example: They jointly decided on the new policy.

Jollity

• Meaning: Lively and cheerful activity or celebration.
• Example: The holiday season is a time of jollity.

Jostle

• Meaning: To push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly.
• Example: The crowd jostled for position at the concert.

Jounce

• Meaning: To move in an up-and-down manner.
• Example: The car jounced over the rough road.

Jovial

• Meaning: Cheerful and friendly.
• Example: His jovial nature made him well-liked.

Joyride

• Meaning: A ride taken for pleasure in a car.
• Example: They went for a joyride in the countryside.

Jubilation

• Meaning: A feeling of great happiness and triumph.
• Example: There was jubilation in the streets after the victory.

Judgmental

• Meaning: Having or displaying an excessively critical point of view.
• Example: She was often judgmental of others’ choices.

Judicial

• Meaning: Of or relating to the administration of justice.
• Example: The judicial system is an important part of governance.

Judiciary

• Meaning: The judicial authorities of a country.
• Example: The judiciary plays a crucial role in interpreting laws.

Junction

• Meaning: A point where two or more things are joined.
• Example: The road junction was busy with traffic.

Juncture

• Meaning: A particular point in events or time.
• Example: At this critical juncture, we must make a decision.

Junker

• Meaning: An old or dilapidated vehicle.
• Example: He drove a junker to work every day.

Junkie

• Meaning: A person with a compulsive habit or dependency on something, often drugs.
• Example: He was a computer junkie, spending all his free time online.

Junky

• Meaning: Of poor quality.
• Example: The store was filled with junky trinkets.

Justifiable

• Meaning: Able to be shown to be right or reasonable.
• Example: The actions were justifiable under the circumstances.

Justification

• Meaning: The action of showing something to be right or reasonable.
• Example: She had a good justification for her decision.

Jaundice

• Meaning: A medical condition with yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Example: The baby was treated for jaundice.

Jauntily

• Meaning: In a lively and cheerful manner.
• Example: He walked jauntily down the street.

Jerk

• Meaning: A quick, sharp movement.
• Example: He felt a jerk as the car came to a sudden stop.

Jettison

• Meaning: To throw or drop something from an aircraft or ship.
• Example: The crew had to jettison the cargo to lighten the load.

Jittery

• Meaning: Nervous or unable to relax.
• Example: She felt jittery before her big presentation.

Jobless

• Meaning: Unemployed.
• Example: Many people were left jobless after the factory closed.

Jocose

• Meaning: Playful or humorous.
• Example: His jocose manner always made people laugh.

Jogger

• Meaning: A person who runs at a steady, gentle pace for exercise.
• Example: The park was filled with joggers in the morning.

Jolt

• Meaning: A sudden, rough movement.
• Example: The train came to a jolt as it stopped at the station.

Jubilant

• Meaning: Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.
• Example: The crowd was jubilant after the victory.

Juiced

• Meaning: Excited or energized.
• Example: The team was juiced for the big game.

Jumpiness

• Meaning: The state of being nervous or easily startled.
• Example: Her jumpiness increased as the deadline approached.

Jumprope

• Meaning: A rope used in the game of skipping.
• Example: The children played with a jumprope in the yard.

Juniper

• Meaning: A type of evergreen shrub or tree.
• Example: The juniper bushes added greenery to the garden.

Jut

• Meaning: To extend out, over, or beyond the main body.
• Example: The rock juts out over the sea.

Jurisprudence

• Meaning: The theory or philosophy of law.
• Example: He studied jurisprudence at law school.

Jaundiced

• Meaning: Affected by bitterness, resentment, or cynicism.
• Example: His jaundiced view of the world made him hard to please.

Journalistic

• Meaning: Relating to the activity or profession of journalism.
• Example: She admired his journalistic skills.

Jubilee

• Meaning: A special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years.
• Example: They celebrated their golden jubilee last year.

Judicious

• Meaning: Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
• Example: She made a judicious decision to invest in real estate.

Juggernaut

• Meaning: A huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution.
• Example: The new tech company became a juggernaut in the industry.

Junket

• Meaning: An extravagant trip or celebration, usually paid for by someone else.
• Example: They went on a junket to the coast, courtesy of the company.

Juxtaposition

• Meaning: The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
• Example: The juxtaposition of the old and new buildings was striking.

Jawbreaker

• Meaning: A large, hard candy; a word that is hard to pronounce.
• Example: He struggled to pronounce the jawbreaker word.

Jovially

• Meaning: In a cheerful and friendly manner.
• Example: He greeted everyone jovially.

Juror

• Meaning: A member of a jury.
• Example: The juror listened carefully to the testimony.

Justly

• Meaning: In a fair and just manner.
• Example: He was justly rewarded for his efforts.

Juvenility

• Meaning: The state or condition of being juvenile.
• Example: His juvenility showed in his immature behavior.

Jaded

• Meaning: Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm.
• Example: She felt jaded after working long hours.

Joyously

• Meaning: In a happy and joyous manner.
• Example: They celebrated the holiday joyously.

Judicially

• Meaning: In a way that relates to judges, courts, or their functions.
• Example: The matter was handled judicially.

Joviality

• Meaning: The quality of being cheerful and friendly.
• Example: His joviality made him the life of the party.

Juiciness

• Meaning: The quality of being full of juice.
• Example: The juiciness of the fruit was refreshing.

Jubilance

• Meaning: The state of feeling or expressing great joy.
• Example: The jubilance in the room was palpable.

Judgemental

• Meaning: Having or displaying an excessively critical point of view.
• Example: She was often judgmental of others’ choices.

Jellybean

• Meaning: A small bean-shaped candy.
• Example: The kids loved the colorful jellybeans.

Jumpstart

• Meaning: To start quickly or to give a quick start to something.
• Example: They needed to jumpstart the car’s battery.

Joltingly

• Meaning: In a way that causes a sudden shock or jolt.
• Example: The car stopped joltingly.

Juxtaposed

• Meaning: Placed side by side for comparison.
• Example: The artist juxtaposed different textures in the painting.

Jotter

• Meaning: A small notebook for jotting down notes.
• Example: She carried a jotter to record her thoughts.

Judiciously

• Meaning: With good judgment or sense.
• Example: He spent his money judiciously.

Jazzily

• Meaning: In a lively and colorful manner.
• Example: She dressed jazzily for the party.

Jobbing

• Meaning: Doing occasional or part-time work.
• Example: He made a living by jobbing around town.

Jellied

• Meaning: Turned into or resembling jelly.
• Example: The jellied dessert was delicious.

Jargonize

• Meaning: To use jargon or specialized language.
• Example: The scientist tended to jargonize when explaining his research.

Jell-O

• Meaning: A brand of gelatin dessert.
• Example: The kids loved the wobbly Jell-O.

Jazzer

• Meaning: A person who plays or enjoys jazz music.
• Example: He was a talented jazzer who played the saxophone.

Jazziness

• Meaning: The quality of being lively and bright.
• Example: The jazziness of the music lifted everyone’s spirits.

Jollily

• Meaning: In a happy and cheerful manner.
• Example: They sang jollily around the campfire.

Jubilantly

• Meaning: In a manner that shows great joy.
• Example: They cheered jubilantly as the team won.

Juvenescence

• Meaning: The state of being youthful or growing young.
• Example: The juvenescence of the plant was evident in its new shoots.

Jitteriness

• Meaning: The state of being nervous or easily alarmed.
• Example: The jitteriness before the exam was common among students.

Jackknife

• Meaning: A knife with a folding blade; a movement where the body bends at the waist.
• Example: He performed a jackknife dive off the board.

Jigsawed

• Meaning: Cut into pieces using a jigsaw tool.
• Example: The carpenter jigsawed the wood into intricate shapes.

Joylessly

• Meaning: Without joy or happiness.
• Example: She went through the motions of her day joylessly.

Jumpily

• Meaning: In a nervous or anxious manner.
• Example: He answered the questions jumpily, betraying his nervousness.

Jobholder

• Meaning: A person who holds a job.
• Example: The new jobholder quickly adapted to the role.

Jargonistic

• Meaning: Relating to or characterized by jargon.
• Example: His jargonistic language confused the laypeople.

Judgingly

• Meaning: In a manner that involves forming an opinion.
• Example: She looked at him judgingly, unsure of his intentions.

Justness

• Meaning: The quality of being fair and just.
• Example: The justness of the decision was widely praised.

Joyfulness

• Meaning: The state of being full of joy.
• Example: The joyfulness of the celebration was infectious.

Juridically

• Meaning: In a way that relates to the law or legal proceedings.
• Example: The case was handled juridically.

Jesting

• Meaning: Making jokes or being playful.
• Example: He was always jesting, making everyone laugh.

Jocularity

• Meaning: The quality of being humorous or playful.
• Example: His jocularity made him popular at parties.

Jeopardous

• Meaning: Dangerous or risky.
• Example: The expedition through the jungle was jeopardous.

Justifiability

• Meaning: The quality of being able to be justified or defended.
• Example: The justifiability of the actions was debated.

Jigger

• Meaning: A small measure for liquor, typically 1.5 ounces.
• Example: He poured a jigger of whiskey into the glass.

Joust

• Meaning: A medieval sport in which two knights on horseback try to unhorse each other with lances.
• Example: They watched a joust at the renaissance fair.

Jellylike

• Meaning: Resembling jelly in consistency.
• Example: The substance was jellylike and hard to handle.

Judicator

• Meaning: One who acts as a judge.
• Example: The judicator presided over the competition.

Jurisprudential

• Meaning: Relating to the theory or philosophy of law.
• Example: The jurisprudential debate was intense.

Jackboot

• Meaning: A large, sturdy military boot.
• Example: The soldier’s jackboots were polished and shining.

Jeweller

• Meaning: A person who makes or sells jewelry.
• Example: She went to the jeweller to buy a ring.

Judicialization

• Meaning: The process of making something subject to judicial review or control.
• Example: The judicialization of politics was a growing trend.

Jadedness

• Meaning: The state of being worn out or dulled by overindulgence or overwork.
• Example: The jadedness in his eyes showed years of hardship.

Justifiably

• Meaning: In a manner that can be justified or defended.
• Example: She was justifiably proud of her accomplishments.

Jubilating

• Meaning: Celebrating joyfully.
• Example: The fans were jubilating after the team’s victory.

Jaggery

• Meaning: A traditional unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap.
• Example: Jaggery is often used in Indian cooking.

Joculously

• Meaning: In a humorous or playful manner.
• Example: He spoke joculously, making everyone laugh.

Joyousness

• Meaning: The state of being full of joy.
• Example: The joyousness of the event was evident on everyone’s faces.

Juridical

• Meaning: Relating to the administration of justice or the function of a judge.
• Example: The juridical process was complex and lengthy.

Justiciar

• Meaning: A high judicial officer in medieval England.
• Example: The justiciar had authority over all legal matters.

Jamb

• Meaning: The side post or surface of a doorway, window, or fireplace.
• Example: He leaned against the door jamb, waiting.

Jeopardously

• Meaning: In a manner that involves risk or danger.
• Example: They traveled jeopardously through the storm.

Justiciarship

• Meaning: The office or position of a justiciar.
• Example: His justiciarship was marked by fair and wise decisions.

Jorum

• Meaning: A large bowl or jug used for serving drinks.
• Example: They filled the jorum with punch for the party.

Judicatorial

• Meaning: Relating to the act of judging or judicial proceedings.
• Example: The judicatorial process was thorough and fair.

Jockeyship

• Meaning: The skill or art of riding a horse in races.
• Example: His jockeyship earned him many victories.

Jactancy

• Meaning: Boasting or bragging.
• Example: His jactancy about his achievements annoyed everyone.

Jeremiad

• Meaning: A long, mournful complaint or lamentation.
• Example: The speech turned into a jeremiad about the state of the nation.

Judicative

• Meaning: Having the power to judge or decide.
• Example: The judicative authority was vested in the court.

Jargonist

• Meaning: A person who uses a lot of jargon.
• Example: As a jargonist, he often confused those not in his field.

Foundational/Elementary words that begin with J