jaywalking

noun

jay·​walk·​ing ˈjā-ˌwȯ-kiŋ 

: the act of crossing a street in an illegal, careless, or unsafe manner

Sidewalks overflow with people during lunch and rush hours, intersections become clogged, and jaywalking is a Pittsburgh tradition.

—Joe Grata

—often used before another noun

jaywalking tickets

jaywalking laws

Examples of jaywalking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Until recently, jaywalking was against the rules too, and everyone did that. — Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026

On June 7, Fort Morgan police say Abade was cited for theft and jaywalking. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Since the time of the crash, the state has decriminalized jaywalking, and allows pedestrian crossings at any part of a roadway if it can seemingly be done safely. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2025

Pedestrian accidents are caused by alcohol, speeding and jaywalking, not poor visibility. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jaywalking

• restocking
• sleepwalking
• unlocking
• blocking
• calking
• caulking
• chalking
• clocking
• cocking
• docking
• flocking
• gawking