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

Example Sentences

We did a few jumping jacks to warm up.
Recent Examples on the Web There’s Gal doing jumping jacks, a robot arm move, and flopping on her knees—all while flashing six-pack abs in a knotted tee and slouchy jeans. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 31 Mar. 2023 Despite doing a high impact workout that included jumping jacks and a treadmill circuit, our tester didn’t break a sweat, however there was a little bit of residue under her arm afterward, but not an overwhelming amount. Rachael Schultz, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2023 Setting a timer for another 15 minutes, our testers did 10 jumping jacks, sprayed water on the jacket exterior 10 times, and then took the temperature again. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2023 For the jumping jack, rather than jumping both feet out at once, step one foot away from your body at a time. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 27 Dec. 2022 Some health experts have come up with jumping jack challenges. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2022 The 6-8 jumping jack hit all nine of his shots – five of them impressive dunks – to finish with a team-high 18 points. Todd Rosiak, Journal Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2022 Like a classic jumping jack, this warms up my entire body. Michael J. Lewis, Men's Health, 1 July 2022 Immediately jump again and return your arms and legs to the starting position to finish one full jumping jack. Erin Beresini, Outside Online, 27 May 2015 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of jumping jack was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near jumping jack

Cite this Entry

“Jumping jack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jumping%20jack. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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