logjam

noun

log·jam | \ ˈlȯg-ˌjam

How to pronounce logjam (audio)

, ˈläg-\

Definition of logjam

1 : a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse

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

b : blockage

c : jam, crowd

Other Words from logjam Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about logjam

Keep scrolling for more

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

Amy Klobuchar wants to devote more than $1 trillion to rebuild the nation’s aging network of roads, highways and bridges, in a proposal that aims to break the partisan logjam in Washington. — Ken Thomas, WSJ, "Sen. Amy Klobuchar Proposes National Infrastructure Plan," 28 Mar. 2019 Boeing has brought in mechanics from around the Puget Sound region, including its factories in Everett, Auburn and Frederickson, to help ease the logjam, said Connie Kelliher, a spokeswoman for the Machinists union. — Eliza Haverstock, The Seattle Times, "Boeing’s monthly 737 deliveries tumble to lowest since 2012 on factory jam," 14 Aug. 2018 Watching Bill Murray is fun, watching Bill Murray struggle is really fun, and watching Bill Murray caught in a space-time logjam, wrestling with moral philosophy while pursuing Andie MacDowell is the most fun. . — Vogue, "The 55 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time," 1 Feb. 2019 As for the massive logjam that fills up the West’s 3-8 playoff slots, there is desperation all around. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "Warriors vs. contenders: the infirmed and the desperate," 9 Mar. 2018 The Knicks are reportedly seeking to solve their frontcourt logjam before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. — Dan Gartland, SI.com, "NBA Rumors: What Will the Knicks Do With Willy Hernangomez?," 24 Jan. 2018 Magnetic monopoles may just help break the current logjam in particle physics. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 More truck manufacturing augured by strong job growth in transportation equipment could break the logjam. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Growth Dividend for Workers," 2 Nov. 2018 The logjam of planes, parked in all available spaces around the Renton assembly plant and the adjacent airfield, peaked at around 53 aircraft at the beginning of September. — Dominic Gates, The Seattle Times, "Boeing finally begins to reduce its 737 delivery backlog," 9 Oct. 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about logjam

Dictionary Entries near logjam

Statistics for logjam

Last Updated

8 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for logjam

The first known use of logjam was in 1885

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

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

WORD OF THE DAY

ecstatic

marked by a state of overwhelming emotion

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ