jumping jack

noun

1

: a conditioning exercise performed from a standing position by jumping to a position with legs spread and arms raised and then to the original position

2

: a toy figure of a man jointed and made to jump or dance by means of strings or a sliding stick

Examples of jumping jack in a Sentence

We did a few jumping jacks to warm up.

Recent Examples on the Web

That could mean jumping jacks, push-ups, or stretching. —Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025

Incorporating toning exercises every few minutes, like jumping jacks, walking lunges, squats, or squat jumps, can also help, suggested Kirsch. —Kristin Canning, Health, 22 Sep. 2025

In contrast, Drollette's team developed a set of movements that could be done in place without equipment—air squats, high knees, jumping jacks and lunges. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

Give it a try: 10 jumping jacks 10 bodyweight squats 10 push-ups (drop to your knees if needed!) 10 reverse lunges (alternating legs) 10 bicycle crunches Repeat for five rounds. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for jumping jack

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Kids Definition

jumping jack

noun

1

: a toy figure of a man jointed and made to jump or dance by means of strings or a sliding stick

2

: an exercise that involves jumping from a standing position to one with legs spread and arms raised and then back to the original standing position