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jamb

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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

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See jamb defined for kids

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Recent Examples of jamb from the Web

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"

JAMB Defined for English Language Learners

jamb

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noun

Definition of jamb for English Language Learners

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

JAMB Defined for Kids

jamb

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noun \ ˈjam \

Definition of jamb for Students

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

Learn More about jamb

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

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