Definition of Jam (meaning 1 of 3 — noun)
Quick Meaning of Jam
A thick, sweet food made from cooked fruit and sugar that you spread on bread.
Detailed Definition of Jam
A thick sweet spread made by cooking fruit with sugar, typically eaten on bread.
How to Pronounce Jam
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable with short 'a' sound like in 'cat' or 'apple'. Rhymes with 'dam' and 'slam'.
Watch out: Should have short /æ/ vowel, not long /eɪ/ like 'James'.
Other Meanings of Jam
“Jam” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 2:
#2 Jam as a verb
To push or squeeze something tightly into a narrow space or to make something stuck.
jam in
#3 Jam as a noun
A situation where many cars are stuck close together on the road and cannot move.
traffic jam
Origin and Etymology of Jam
Possibly from 'jam' meaning to squeeze or force; refers to fruit pressed and cooked down.
How to Use Jam in a Sentence
Each example shows “jam” in the meaning “A thick, sweet food made from cooked fruit…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I spread strawberry jam on my toast every morning.”
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“Would you like some jam with your bread?”
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“Homemade jam tastes better than store-bought varieties.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Jam
Common Synonyms for Jam
Smart Synonyms for Jam — When to Use Each
- preserve
- more formal term, similar consistency to jam
- marmalade
- citrus jam made specifically from oranges or lemons
- spread
- general term for any paste spread on bread
Common Collocations with Jam
These phrases pair with “jam” in everyday English:
- strawberry jam
- spread jam
- jar of jam
- jam and butter
- homemade jam
Common Mistakes When Using Jam
Even fluent speakers slip up with “jam”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I likes jam on my bread.
- ✓ Correct: I like jam on my bread.
- Why: First person 'I' uses base verb 'like', not 'likes' (third person form).
- ✗ Wrong: The jam are in the cupboard.
- ✓ Correct: The jam is in the cupboard.
- Why: Singular 'jam' needs singular verb 'is', not plural 'are'.
Other Forms of Jam
Frequently Asked Questions About Jam
What is the meaning of "Jam"?
A thick, sweet food made from cooked fruit and sugar that you spread on bread.
How do you pronounce "Jam"?
The IPA is /dʒæm/. One syllable with short 'a' sound like in 'cat' or 'apple'. Rhymes with 'dam' and 'slam'.
What part of speech is "Jam"?
"Jam" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Jam"?
Common synonyms include preserve, conserve, spread.
How do you use "Jam" in a sentence?
For example: "I spread strawberry jam on my toast every morning."