1
: feeling or showing jealousy: such as
a
: feeling or showing an unhappy or angry desire to have what someone else has
His success has made some of his old friends jealous.
—often + ofSome of his old friends are jealous [=envious] of his success. = Some of his old friends are jealous of him because of his success.
He feels jealous of his rich friends.
b
: feeling or showing unhappiness or anger because you think that someone you love (such as your husband or wife) likes or is liked by someone else
a jealous husband
She became very jealous whenever he talked to other women.
He was in a jealous rage.
2
somewhat formal
: very concerned about protecting or keeping something
—+ of
She was jealous of her good reputation.
He has always been very jealous of his privacy.
Cite this Entry
“Jealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/jealous. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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