Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

jayhawk

noun
Save Word

Definition of jayhawk

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : jayhawker
2 : a fictitious bird with a large beak used as an emblem in Kansas

jayhawk

transitive verb
\ " \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of jayhawk (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a predatory attack on : raid

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for jayhawk

Noun

jay entry 1 + hawk

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about jayhawk

Statistics for jayhawk

Cite this Entry

“Jayhawk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jayhawk. Accessed 12 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Comments on jayhawk

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gallant

Listen to the pronunciation of gallant

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games