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

Examples of jamb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, feed the hook into the gap between the edge of the door and the jamb. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How to Open a Locked Door Without the Key," 28 Nov. 2018 Note: This won’t work if the jamb blocks the gap between the door and the wall. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How to Open a Locked Door Without the Key," 28 Nov. 2018 Next, buy a second sash lock and install it 8 inches in from the opposite side jamb. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Winterize Drafty Windows," 29 Sep. 2017 Doors and jambs were tapered to accommodate imperfect angles. — Joanna Bober, ELLE Decor, "Country Fresh," 5 July 2012 Look at the condition of the door jamb … should it be replaced? — Kenya Burrell-vanwormer, Houston Chronicle, "Keep safety in mind when buying a home," 29 Apr. 2018 At the time, the team reported that a volcanic cloud had launched a stone door jamb toward the man, decapitating him. — New York Times, "He Died at Pompeii, but His Head Wasn’t Crushed by a Block," 29 June 2018 Look at the condition of the door jamb … should it be replaced? — Kenya Burrell-vanwormer, Houston Chronicle, "Keep safety in mind when buying a home," 29 Apr. 2018 Look at the condition of the door jamb … should it be replaced? — Kenya Burrell-vanwormer, Houston Chronicle, "Keep safety in mind when buying a home," 29 Apr. 2018

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.

History and Etymology for 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"