jamb

noun \ ˈjam \

Definition of jamb

1 : an upright piece or surface forming the side of an opening (as for a door, window, or fireplace)

2 : a projecting columnar part or mass

See jamb defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of jamb from the Web

Look at the condition of the door jamb … should it be replaced?

— by cindy hamann, Houston Chronicle, "Realtor view: Keep safety in mind when buying a home," 22 Dec. 2017
The then-chief, who arrived in response to a call for backup, slammed the suspect’s head into a metal door jamb, authorities said.

— jan hefler, Philly.com, "Ex-police chief pleads not guilty to hate crime charges and the beating of a black suspect," 21 Dec. 2017
On casement or sliding windows, V-seal is installed along the vertical side jamb where the sash closes.

— joseph truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Winterize Drafty Windows," 29 Sep. 2017
Third-row ingress and egress is afforded by pushing a button on the rear door jambs, which folds down the backs of the second-row seats and then flips the seat assemblies forward against the back of the front seats.

— al haas, Philly.com, "2017 Ford Explorer Platinum is powerful, pricey SUV," 15 Sep. 2017
Buyers should also make sure the Vehicle Identification Number on the dash matches the one on the vehicle's driver door jamb.

— paul a. eisenstein, NBC News, "How to Steer Clear of Buying a Flood-Damaged Car," 13 Sep. 2017
The first come ready to install in rough openings with jamb and hinges attached; the second are sized to fit in finished openings but require drilling holes for hardware.

— elle decor staff, ELLE Decor, "Interior Doors," 14 Mar. 2008
On a recent visit by The Bee to the fourth-floor stockroom, a staff member pointed out corroded drawer handles, door jambs and metal outlet covers.

— diana lambert, sacbee.com, "A Sacramento State chemical spill has lab techs questioning their workplace safety," 28 May 2017
At 4:10 p.m. May 14, a woman, 32, called police after noticing that wood trim around a door jamb in her home was missing.

— jeff piorkowski/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Motorist boxes in drunk driver, won't let him drive away: Solon police blotter," 17 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jamb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of jamb

Middle English jambe, borrowed from Anglo-French jambe, gaunbe "side post of a door or window," literally, "leg," going back to Late Latin gamba, camba "hock or upper leg of a horse," borrowed from Greek kampḗ "bend, flexion of a limb," probably going back to a European substratal base *kamp-, whence also perhaps Lithuanian kam̃pas "corner, hidden place," Latvian kampis "curved piece of wood, kettle hook," Gothic hamfs "maimed"

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

JAMB Defined for English Language Learners

jamb

noun

Definition of jamb for English Language Learners

: a board that forms the side of a door or window

JAMB Defined for Kids

jamb

noun \ ˈjam \

Definition of jamb for Students

: a vertical piece forming the side of an opening (as for a doorway)

Learn More about jamb

See words that rhyme with jamb Spanish Central: Translation of jamb Nglish: Translation of jamb for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

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

show

jamb

Definition of jamb

Recent Examples of jamb from the Web

Origin and Etymology of jamb

JAMB Defined for English Language Learners

jamb

Definition of jamb for English Language Learners

JAMB Defined for Kids

jamb

Definition of jamb for Students

Learn More about jamb

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix'?

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

jamb

Definition of jamb

Recent Examples of jamb from the Web

Origin and Etymology of jamb

JAMB Defined for English Language Learners

jamb

Definition of jamb for English Language Learners

JAMB Defined for Kids

jamb

Definition of jamb for Students

Learn More about jamb

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes