logjam

noun

log·​jam ˈlȯg-ˌjam How to pronounce logjam (audio)
ˈläg-
1
: a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse
2
a
: deadlock, impasse
trying to break the logjam in negotiations
b
c
: jam, crowd
logjam transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To avoid the logistical logjams that had been predicted, the rollout is being staggered. Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 Authorities said the recovered body was found in a logjam in the river flowing underneath the avalanche slide area. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025 Trading Duran and Yoshida would solve the outfield logjam, while also freeing up some money. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Bob McCann, executive director of The K-12 Alliance of Michigan, said the message from the governor and state superintendent telling school officials to spend money on school meals after the budget logjam in Lansing plagued them with months of funding uncertainty was met with frustration. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for logjam

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of logjam was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Logjam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logjam. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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