1
: built cheaply and unsubstantially
2
: carelessly or hastily put together

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jerry-built was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near jerry-built

Cite this Entry

“Jerry-built.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jerry-built. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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