jersey

noun

jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

plural jerseys

1

a

: any of various close-fitting usually circular-knitted garments especially for the upper body

b

: an often loose-fitting shirt that is worn by a member of a sports team as part of a team uniform and that typically has the athlete's name and number on the back

a football jersey

2

: a plain weft-knitted fabric made of wool, cotton, nylon, rayon, or silk and used especially for clothing

3

capitalized : any of a breed of small short-horned predominantly yellowish brown or fawn dairy cattle noted for their rich milk

Examples of jersey in a Sentence

The dress is made of cotton jersey.

Recent Examples on the Web

Justin has always been vocal about showing support for Toronto, and even did a jersey collaboration with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Some of the highlights of the collection are the super heavyweight sweatshirts and joggers (650g) designed to hold shape wear after wear; a heavyweight jersey (300g) with an oversized, roomy fit; and an interlock jersey (300g) with a polished finish. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

Bieber sported a jersey with the name of pitcher Shane Bieber, who is set to start Game Four today for the Jays. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025

The Canadian pop star was rooting for his Toronto Blue Jays, sporting baby blue shades and a customized team jersey with his name on the back, while Hailey Bieber was casual in a gray jacket and a tiny blue star sticker on her forehead to show support. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Jersey, one of the Channel Islands

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

jersey

noun

jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

plural jerseys

1

: a plain knitted fabric

2

: a close-fitting knitted garment (as a shirt)

3

capitalized : any of a breed of small usually light tan dairy cattle having short horns and noted for their rich milk

Geographical Definition

Jersey

geographical name

Jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

1

island in the English Channel; one of the Channel Islands; capital Saint Helier area 45 square miles (117 square kilometers)

Note: The Jersey breed of cattle, the knit fabric called jersey, and the types of upper-body garments called jerseys all derive their names from this island.

2

new jersey

—an informal name

Jerseyan

ˈjər-zē-ən 

noun

Jerseyite

ˈjər-zē-ˌīt 

noun