jungle

noun

jun·​gle ˈjəŋ-gəl 

often attributive

1

a

: an impenetrable thicket or tangled mass of tropical vegetation

b

: a tract overgrown with thickets or masses of vegetation

2

a(1)

: a confused or disordered mass of objects : jumble

(2)

: something that baffles or frustrates by its tangled or complex character : maze

… the jungle of housing laws …

—Bernard Taper

b

: a place of ruthless struggle for survival

… the city is a jungle where no one is safe after dark.

—Stuart Chase

3

: electronic dance music that combines elements of techno, reggae, and hip-hop and is marked especially by an extremely fast beat

4

: a hobo camp

junglelike

ˈjəŋ-gə(l)-ˌlīk 

adjective

jungly

ˈjəŋ-g(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms of jungle

• jumble
• medley
• variety
• assortment
• collage
• menagerie
• clutter

Examples of jungle in a Sentence

life in the corporate jungle

It's hard to succeed in the business world. It's a jungle out there.

a jungle of environmental laws

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the railroad's arrival, this rainforest retreat, which is surrounded by acres of undulating jungle, required a half-day's drive from Luang Prabang. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026

The cause to save the Mayan jungle — the most important lung of Mexico and the second largest in the Americas after the Amazon — will resonate this weekend (March 14-15) at the Vive Latino festival, where Sélvame MX will screen videos on the GNP Seguros Stadium’ screens to promote it. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026

This particular tyrannosaur lived near the seaway’s western coast, which was full of jungles and forests. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026

The wide jungle print in black and white serves as an impactful canvas to build upon, with bold prints on the upholstered bed, yet another ornate mirror, and even a copper bathtub just steps from the bed. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Hindi jaṅgal & Urdu jangal forest, from Sanskrit jaṅgala desert region

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing jungle

• asphalt jungle
• concrete jungle
• jungle cat
• jungle fowl
• jungle gym
• the law of the jungle

Rhymes for jungle

• antifungal
• fungal

Kids Definition

jungle

noun

jun·​gle ˈjəŋ-gəl 

1

: a thick tangled mass of tropical vegetation

2

: an area overgrown with jungle or other vegetation