1
a
: a predominantly fawn-colored Old World bird (Garrulus glandarius) of the crow family with a black-and-white crest and wings marked with black, white, and blue
b
: any of various usually crested and largely blue chiefly New World birds that are related to the common Old World jay and have roving habits and harsh voices compare blue jay
2
3
: a moderate blue
1
: the letter j
2
Examples of jay in a Sentence
Noun (1)
a snooty little jay who refused to wear anything but designer labels
the stranger's incessant chatter was annoying, and she was the kind of jay that I didn't have in mind when I entered the park
Recent Examples on the Web
Christopher Gangemi, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Other birds, such as crows and jays, also may damage lawns.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
The seeds were most likely transported from the mainland by birds, possibly jays that are known to transport seeds a long distance, or possibly by cones floating across the ocean.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Utah’s canyon country has always been a source of rejuvenation and connection for me — the kaleidoscope of rocks, raucous pinyon jays, the legacy of millennia of inhabitants.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
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Noun
Blue Jay The blue jay is easily identified by its flamboyant personality, bold blue feathers, and size.
—Christopher Gangemi, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Other birds, such as crows and jays, also may damage lawns.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
The seeds were most likely transported from the mainland by birds, possibly jays that are known to transport seeds a long distance, or possibly by cones floating across the ocean.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Utah’s canyon country has always been a source of rejuvenation and connection for me — the kaleidoscope of rocks, raucous pinyon jays, the legacy of millennia of inhabitants.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jay
Cite this Entry
“Jay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jay. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationBiographical Definition
Jay
biographical name
John 1745–1829 American jurist and statesman; 1st chief justice U.S. Supreme Court (1789–95)
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