jinx

1 of 2

noun

: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Sep. 2024 In the interview area afterwards, amid the high jinx, there was sincerity; glimpses of football’s soul. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 15 Apr. 2024
Verb
Users at the time prophetically joked that Cruz had obviously jinxed the Rockets. Samantha Riedel, Them, 1 Nov. 2024 Not to jinx myself, but the things that people expect a quick reply to are rarely urgent. Kelly Washington, refinery29.com, 18 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for jinx 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of jinx was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near jinx

Cite this Entry

“Jinx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jinx. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

jinx

1 of 2 noun
: someone or something that brings bad luck

jinx

2 of 2 verb
: to bring bad luck to

More from Merriam-Webster on jinx

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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