1

jade

noun \ ˈjād \

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: jade in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of jade

1 : either of two tough compact typically green gemstones that take a high polish:

a : jadeite

b : nephrite

2 : a sculpture or artifact of jade

3 : jade green

Did You Know?

The English word jade that means “to weary” is not related to the name of the green stone jade. The origin of the earlier jade is uncertain. It was first used in Middle English to mean “a broken-down horse.” Later the word for a worthless horse was often applied to a woman (or, very rarely, to a man) considered worthless. Now a jade is more often a disreputable woman than a broken-down horse. Jaded, meaning “worn out,” is also derived from the equine jade. Originally, to jade a horse was to make a jade of it, to wear it out or break it down by overwork or abuse. It was not long before people, too, could be called jaded.

Origin and Etymology of jade

French, from obsolete Spanish (piedra de la) ijada, literally, loin stone, ultimately from Latin ilia, plural, flanks; from the belief that jade cures renal colic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1741

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

2

jade

verb

Definition of jade

jaded; jading

intransitive verb

: to become weary or dulled

transitive verb

1 a : to wear out by overwork or abuse

b : to tire or dull through repetition or excess

2 obsolete : to make ridiculous

Examples of jade in a Sentence

a steady diet of nothing but lobster would jade the palate of even the most ardent lobster lover

First Known Use of jade

1524

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

jade Synonyms

Synonyms

bore, tire, weary;

Antonyms

absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall (or enthral), fascinate, grip, interest, intrigue;

Near Antonyms

activate, animate, energize, enliven, excite, galvanize, invigorate, stimulate, strengthen, vitalize;

amuse, entertain;

allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, hypnotize, mesmerize;

monopolize, preoccupy;

busy, immerse, involve, occupy;

pump up, rally, rouse, stir;

Related Words

burn out, do in, drain, enervate, exhaust, fatigue, tucker (out), wash out, wear, wear out;

debilitate, disable, enfeeble;

deject, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit;

Phrases

put to sleep;

Synonym Discussion of jade

tire, weary, fatigue, exhaust, jade mean to make or become unable or unwilling to continue. tire implies a draining of one's strength or patience.

- the long ride tired us out

weary stresses tiring until one is unable to endure more of the same thing.

- wearied of the constant arguing

fatigue suggests great lassitude from excessive strain or undue effort.

- fatigued by the day's chores

exhaust implies complete draining of strength by hard exertion.

- shoveling snow exhausted him

jade suggests the loss of all freshness and eagerness.

- appetites jaded by overindulgence

3

jade

noun

Definition of jade

1 : a broken-down, vicious, or worthless horse

2 a : a disreputable woman

b : a flirtatious girl

Origin and Etymology of jade

Middle English

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste

JADE Defined for Kids

jade

noun \ ˈjād \

Definition of jade for Students

: a usually green mineral used for jewelry and carvings

Learn More about jade

See words that rhyme with jade Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for jade Spanish Central: Translation of jade Nglish: Translation of jade for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of jade for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jade

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up jade? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

amortize

play

to pay off by making regular payments

BROWSE DICTIONARY

jacutinga

Jacuzzi

jade

jaded

jade gray

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games