jinx

1 of 2

noun

ˈjiŋ(k)s 

: one that brings bad luck

also : the state or spell of bad luck brought on by a jinx

jinx

2 of 2

verb

jinxed; jinxing; jinxes

transitive verb

: to foredoom to failure or misfortune : bring bad luck to

Synonyms

Noun

• curse
• spell

Examples of jinx in a Sentence

Noun

That guy is a jinx.

He felt like he'd finally broken the jinx.

She threatened to put a jinx on him.

Verb

I thought they were going to win but I didn't say so because I didn't want to jinx them.

His luck has been so bad he feels jinxed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Is this an attempt at a reverse jinx to repay my karmic debt from my 2012 World Series prediction? —Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

But these low-risk hi jinx will encourage your own littles to try new things and take chances for the adventure of learning and saving friends. —Katie Grant, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025

Verb

Originally scheduled for three innings, López didn’t want to jinx the game with the Twins ahead and stayed through the final out. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Kylie told Woods, referring to the Knicks' 3-1 series lead over the Celtics and not wanting to jinx the next game's outcome. —Julia Moore, People.com, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps alteration of jynx wryneck; from the use of wrynecks in witchcraft

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jinx

• binks
• blinks
• chinks
• drinks
• hinks
• inks
• jinks
• kinks
• links
• lynx
• minks
• pinks

Kids Definition

jinx

1 of 2 noun

ˈjiŋ(k)s 

: someone or something that brings bad luck

jinx

2 of 2 verb

: to bring bad luck to