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

In the peaks of the cloud-shrouded Pyrenees, Xi accepted a jersey from France’s famed bicycle race and joined President Emmanuel Macron in calling for a truce in all global hostilities during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

Fridays at Petco Park mean City Connect jerseys and a party in Gallagher Square. —The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

Macron presented Xi with a blanket made from Pyrenees wool, a Tour de France cycling jersey, and, tellingly, yet more brandy: an Armagnac. —TIME, 8 May 2024

Black and grey zip-up hoodies, yellow soccer jerseys, and padded slide-on shoes are also included in the collection. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 May 2024

The mere sight of Williams, wearing a Cubs jersey and sitting with several Bears teammates in a right-field suite, was perfectly timed for a town thirsting for a winner. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2024

The jersey is lightweight enough that these never feel too bulky or warm. —Jessica Booth, Parents, 3 May 2024

By the way, Purdy’s jersey was the NFL’s 13th-best-selling jersey over the first three months of last season, according to the NFL Players Association. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 1 May 2024

Former Oiler Klim Kostin was spotted in the stands with his old No. 21 Oilers jersey draped over his shoulder. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

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