ajar

adjective or adverb

: slightly open
left the door ajar

Examples of ajar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The door to the porch is still ajar. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 Setting his phone on the ground, Curtis first was able to get the woman's three kids out through a door that was slightly ajar. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026 The Rooney Rule is simply there to make sure the door is cracked ajar if not flung open wide for minority candidates who might otherwise not be given a fair shake. Greg Cote updated March 30, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026 Kansas, in the end, got a season that somehow managed to confirm everything while still leaving something completely ajar. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ajar

Word History

Etymology

earlier on char, from Middle English, from on + char turn — more at chare

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ajar was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ajar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ajar. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

ajar

adverb or adjective
: slightly open
left the door ajar

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