jazz

1 of 2

noun

ˈjaz

often attributive

Synonyms of jazz next

: American music developed especially from ragtime and blues and characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble playing, varying degrees of improvisation, and often deliberate distortions of pitch and timbre

: popular dance music influenced by jazz and played in a loud rhythmic manner

: similar but unspecified things : stuff

that wind, and the waves, and all that jazz—

John Updike

: empty talk : humbug

spouted all the scientific jazz—

Pete Martin

jazzlike

ˈjaz-ˌlīk

adjective

jazz

2 of 2

verb

jazzed; jazzing; jazzes

transitive verb

: enliven

—usually used with up

: accelerate

: to play in the manner of jazz

intransitive verb

: to go here and there : gad

: to dance to or play jazz

Example Sentences

Noun What's all this jazz about you leaving? She loves hiking, biking, and all that jazz.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bring them truly back to the soul, funk, and jazz of that time with a vinyl record. —

Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day Magazine, 17 May 2023 In 1971, underground jazz collided with mainstream America when Rahsaan Roland Kirk and his band played on The Ed Sullivan Show. —

Robert Boyd, Chron, 16 May 2023 She is also involved in music therapy, singing jazz in local memory care units. —

Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 12 May 2023 This album was notable for going in a different musical direction from his previous ballads with inspiration from jazz in particular. —

Jacob Linden, Redbook, 10 May 2023 The kora has been used across centuries by everyone from West Africa’s pre-colonial singing historians to modern jazz and rock groups today. —

Guy Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2023 For a laid back take on Mother's Day, TEN20 Craft Brewery will offer a jazz brunch featuring the Meghan Pund Jazz Trio. —

The Courier-Journal, 8 May 2023 From jazz, blues and the big sounds of the symphony to salsa, country and rock 'n' roll, our city's parks and public spaces have something to please every taste. —

Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 3 May 2023 Most artistic awards break into categories—best debut novel, best classical recording, best jazz performance, best musical—judged on the basis of their superiority within those categories. —

John Mariani, Forbes, 3 May 2023

Verb

To jazz it up, some customers also order a pump of peppermint syrup for extra flavor in their sniffles-busting beverage. —

Jennifer Aldrich, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2023 Whether you were jazzed by the return of the epic blockbuster (and movie theaters) with Top Gun: Maverick, enchanted by the personal tale at the heart of The Fabelmans, or dazzled by the Vegas showmanship of Elvis, there was something for everyone. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2023 But a group of elementary-schoolers seemed just as jazzed about see-it-to-believe-it historical gadgets like tooth concealments, a buttonhole camera, a transmitter hidden in fake tiger dung and a CIA rectal tool kit. —

Adele Chapin, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2023 From pizza to pie to bbq and even specific cities, this is a great gift to give someone who is looking to jazz up at least one meal a month. —

Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023 Looking to jazz up your gift card purchase? —

Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 12 Nov. 2020 Samara Joy, a singer who brought fresh interpretations to jazz classics, and began her career posting them online, won best new artist. —

Ben Sisario, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2023 Opt for a coat style like Kate to jazz up your winter outerwear game. —

Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 5 Feb. 2023 Garlic, dill and cumin are used to jazz up the eggs and Greek yogurt without adding extra calories. —

Good Housekeeping, 31 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jazz.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.