jack-in-the-box
noun
plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box
: a toy consisting of a small box out of which a figure (as of a clown's head) springs when the lid is raised
Examples of jack-in-the-box in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Literally a blockbuster as a theme-park ride, Jurassic Park mixes smarts (Hey, Mr. DNA!), Hitchcockian suspense (the raptors in the kitchen scene), jack-in-the-box horror (the water rippling in a cup as the T-rex approaches), and, of course, wonder and awe.
—
Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026
Tyler and Jack Fletcher, the two sons of former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, were cast to play jack-in-the-box roles in an advert fronted by Scott McTominay.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 4 June 2026
But then, like some demented jack-in-the-box, the terrier popped up and charged again.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
The Nuggets’ jack-in-the-box lost his spring because of his hamstring.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Intercoms were also shaped like jack-in-the-box toys, with menus displayed on a plexiglass box topped by a clown’s head.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
Since switching to this cable organizer from Travelkin, the days of opening a jack-in-the-box of cords and charging blocks are officially over.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
If overpacking is your weakness, then the genius compression technology from Airback can help avoid straining seams and jack-in-the-box unpacking moments.
—Joanna Carrigan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2025
This week’s episode picks up with June and Moira popping out of Joseph Lawrence’s car trunk like a couple of jacks-in-the-box.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025
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Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026
Tyler and Jack Fletcher, the two sons of former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, were cast to play jack-in-the-box roles in an advert fronted by Scott McTominay.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 4 June 2026
But then, like some demented jack-in-the-box, the terrier popped up and charged again.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
The Nuggets’ jack-in-the-box lost his spring because of his hamstring.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Intercoms were also shaped like jack-in-the-box toys, with menus displayed on a plexiglass box topped by a clown’s head.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
Since switching to this cable organizer from Travelkin, the days of opening a jack-in-the-box of cords and charging blocks are officially over.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
If overpacking is your weakness, then the genius compression technology from Airback can help avoid straining seams and jack-in-the-box unpacking moments.
—Joanna Carrigan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2025
This week’s episode picks up with June and Moira popping out of Joseph Lawrence’s car trunk like a couple of jacks-in-the-box.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jack-in-the-box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jack-in-the-box. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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