logjam

noun

log·jam | \ˈlȯg-ˌjam,

ˈläg-\

Definition of logjam

1 : a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse

2a : deadlock, impasse trying to break the logjam in negotiations

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Examples of logjam in a Sentence

He was called in to try to break the logjam in the negotiations. the presence of an ambulance on the side of the highway created a logjam of rubberneckers who just had to have a look

Recent Examples on the Web

Immense logjams and floating rafts of naturally occurring wood were once common and well-documented features in rivers and estuaries before they were cleared for navigation. — Brian Payton, Smithsonian, "How Driftwood Reshapes Ecosystems," 9 Feb. 2018 Earlier, the Nets agreed to trade Jeremy Lin to Atlanta, clearing up the Nets’ logjam at point guard while sending the 29-year-old Harvard product to another team in the same predicament. — BostonGlobe.com, "Knee surgery scheduled for Lonzo Ball," 14 July 2018 The governor, facing a budget logjam, ordered a hefty cut in state worker pay to the federal minimum wage — then $6.55 an hour — but Chiang refused to comply. — Melanie Mason, latimes.com, "In his bid to be California's next governor, John Chiang touts his battles with a previous one," 7 May 2018 After a weeklong logjam in which House GOP leaders were unable to get many of their priorities moving forward, some solution for Louisiana's budget shortfall, which opens up July 1, appears to be taking shape. — Julia O'donoghue, NOLA.com, "Louisiana House to consider watered-down tax bills," 25 Feb. 2018 Current picture The Padres dealt Solarte to Toronto in January, but a logjam persists. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres spring training primer: Infield," 6 Feb. 2018 The move helps clear up the Nets' logjam at point guard and sends Lin to another team that is also pretty crowded at the position. — Brian Mahoney, Houston Chronicle, "Source: Nets trade ex-Rocket Jeremy Lin to Hawks," 13 July 2018 Makinen's return helped the Warriors stage an upset over Arrowhead on Jan. 12, 77-66, one of the outcomes that created a logjam for second place. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Craziness continues in Classic 8 boys basketball race," 17 Jan. 2018 The Phillies have a logjam at first base already, with Carlos Santana holding down the spot while Rhys Hoskins plays in the outfield. — Ben Pope, Philly.com, "Phillies prospect Joey Meneses looks MLB-ready, whether here or elsewhere," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'logjam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for logjam

The first known use of logjam was in 1885

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More Definitions for logjam

logjam

noun

English Language Learners Definition of logjam

: a situation in which a large number of logs floating down a river become tangled with each other so that further movement is not possible

: a situation in which no progress seems possible

See the full definition for logjam in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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