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

• 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

The jungle backdrop, unique architecture, exciting food scene, and turquoise ocean views make Tulum an incredibly romantic place for couples to escape. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 June 2025

The tusks had to be transported on foot from jungles to the East African port of Zanzibar for shipment to America and Europe. —Anthony R. Cannella, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025

Louis warns that surviving in the jungle isn't an option, so Brodie decides their best shot is to get airborne as soon as possible. —EW.com, 13 June 2025

The soothing sight of palm trees, long white beaches, and jungle vegetation complements the resort’s various activities that demonstrate the benefits of harmonizing with nature in ways that protect and preserve it. —World Of Hyatt, AFAR Media, 10 June 2025

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