jive

play

noun \ˈjīv\

Definition of jive

1a : glib, deceptive, or foolish talk tired of listening to his jiveb : the jargon of hipstersc : a special jargon of difficult or slang terms street jive
2 : swing music or the dancing performed to it

jivey

play \ˈjī-vē\ adjective

See jive defined for English-language learners

See jive defined for kids

Examples of jive in a Sentence

She grew up talking street jive.
I'm tired of listening to your jive.

Origin and Etymology of jive

origin unknown

NEW!

First Known Use: 1928

See Words from the same year

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

jive

verb

Definition of jive

jived

;

jiving

transitive verb
1 : to say foolish, deceptive, or unserious things to (someone) He's jiving you.
2 : swing 5
intransitive verb
1 : to talk in a foolish, deceptive, or unserious way : to talk jive (see ¹jive 1) He's just jiving.
2 : to dance to or play jive (see ¹jive 2)

See jive defined for English-language learners

Examples of jive in a Sentence

I know he's just jiving me.
Don't take him seriously—he's just jiving.
Everyone was jiving to the beat.

Origin and Etymology of jive

see ¹jive

NEW!

First Known Use: 1928

See Words from the same year

jive

adjective

Definition of jive

slang

: phony if you are late getting to heaven, you will give Saint Peter some jive excuse — Langston Hughes

Examples of jive in a Sentence

don't give me that jive talk about me being your new best friend

Origin and Etymology of jive

see ¹jive

NEW!

First Known Use: 1953

See Words from the same year

JIVE Defined for English Language Learners

jive

play

noun

Definition of jive for English Language Learners

: informal language that includes many slang terms
: deceptive or foolish talk
: a type of fast lively music that was especially popular in the early part of the 20th century; also : a dance performed to this type of music