Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense jars, present participle jarring, past tense, past participle jarred
1. countable noun
A jar is a glass container with a lid that is used for storing food.
...yellow cucumbers in great glass jars.
2. countable noun
You can use jar to refer to a jar and its contents, or to the contents only.
She opened up a glass jar of plums. [+ of]
...two jars of filter coffee. [+ of]
3. countable noun
If you have a jar, you have a drink with friends in a pub.
[British, informal]
They had a few jars together.
4. verb
If something jarson you, you find it unpleasant, disturbing, or shocking.
Sometimes a light remark jarred on her father. [VERB + on]
...televised congressional hearings that jarred the nation's faith in the presidency. [VERB noun]
You shouldn't have too many colours in a small space as the effect can jar. [VERB]
jarringadjective
In the context of this chapter, Dore's comments strike a jarring note.
Synonyms: grating, grinding, offensive, harsh More Synonyms of jar
5. verb
If an object jars, or if something jars it, the object moves with a fairly hard shaking movement.
The ship jarred a little. [VERB]
The impact jarred his arm. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: jolt, rock, shake, disturb More Synonyms of jar
More Synonyms of jar
jar in British English1
(dʒɑː)
noun
1.
a wide-mouthed container that is usually cylindrical, made of glass or earthenware, and without handles
2. Also: jarful
the contents or quantity contained in a jar
3. British informal
a glass of alcoholic drink, esp beer
to have a jar with someone
4. obsolete
a measure of electrical capacitance
Word origin
C16: from Old French jarre, from Old Provençal jarra, from Arabic jarrah large earthen vessel
jar in British English2
(dʒɑː)
verbWord forms: jars, jarring or jarred
1.
to vibrate or cause to vibrate
2.
to make or cause to make a harsh discordant sound
3. (often foll by on)
to have a disturbing or painful effect (on the nerves, mind, etc)
4. (intransitive)
to disagree; clash
noun
5.
a jolt or shock
6.
a harsh discordant sound
Derived forms
jarring (ˈjarring)
adjective
jarringly (ˈjarringly)
adverb
Word origin
C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Old English cearran to creak
jar in British English3
(dʒɑː)
noun
on a jar
Word origin
C17 (in the sense: turn): from earlier char, from Old English cierran to turn; see ajar1
jar in American English1
(dʒɑr)
verb intransitiveWord forms: jarred or ˈjarring
1.
to make a harsh sound or a discord; grate
2.
to have a harsh, irritating effect (on one)
3.
to shake or vibrate from a sudden impact
4.
to clash, disagree, or quarrel sharply
verb transitive
5.
to make vibrate or shake by sudden impact
6.
to cause to give a harsh or discordant sound
7.
to jolt or shock
noun
8.
a harsh, grating sound; discord
9.
a vibration due to a sudden impact
10.
a jolt or shock
11.
a sharp clash, disagreement, or quarrel
Word origin
ult. echoic
jar in American English2
(dʒɑr)
noun
1.
a container made of glass, stone, earthenware, etc., usually cylindrical, with a large opening and no spout: some jars have handles
2.
as much as a jar will hold
: also ˈjarˌful (dʒɑrˌfʊl)
Word origin
ME jarre < Fr jarre < OProv or Sp jarra < Ar jarrah, earthen water container
jar in American English3
(dʒɑr)
noun
Archaic
a turn
: now only in the phrase on the jar , ajar; partly open
Word origin
see ajar1
More idioms containing
jar
be caught with your hand in the cookie jar
Examples of 'jar' in a sentence
jar
She'd find the jars in the cupboard.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It jars a little at first, but gives the film an intimacy that belies the weighty subject matter.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Flavour and heat come from two little jars that most kitchens collect along the way: curry powder and chilli powder.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I can see myself growing old in a shop stacked with glass jars that you need a ladder to reach.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This jars with many elements.
The Sun (2016)
You have a thing for removing the stubborn lid from a jar of pickled onions.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
We found three little jars of peach jam and we were so happy.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Spoon the mixture into sterilised jars and keep until needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There are so many jarring races within this end game.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Both plants and herbs can be stored in opaque glass storage jars with tight fitting lids.
Guyton, Anita The Natural Beauty Book - cruelty-free cosmetics to make at home (1991)
They have two jars in front of them onstage.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They have the effect of jarring your preconceived notions.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Photograph any views that jar and note the plants that need attention.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The airtight glass jar looks about right to store summer plum jam ready for a dark winter.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There has always been something jarring and philosophically disconcerting about their juxtaposition.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Previously the big problem had been finding the jars.
The Sun (2010)
You need to get it right or it can jar.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Place these in a jar with a lid that can be sealed tightly.
The Sun (2014)
Use them straightaway or put them in a lidded jar or airtight container along with just a few tablespoons of thesyrup.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Indeed, it looked like a jar of instant coffee.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Then pour a little into a selection of clean, dry jars and bottles.
The Sun (2014)
I remember when sweets were displayed in large glass jars behind the counter.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Word lists with
jar
container
In other languages
jar
British English: jar /dʒɑː/ NOUN
A jar is a glass container with a lid, used for storing food.
...two jars of coffee.
American English: jar
Arabic: بَرْطَمَانٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: pote
Chinese: 罐
Croatian: staklenka
Czech: sklenice zavařovací
Danish: krukke
Dutch: pot voorwerp
European Spanish: tarro
Finnish: lasipurkki
French: bocal
German: Einmachglas
Greek: βάζο
Italian: vasetto
Japanese: 瓶
Korean: (아가리가 넓은) 병
Norwegian: krukke
Polish: słój
European Portuguese: pote
Romanian: borcan
Russian: банка
Latin American Spanish: tarro
Swedish: burk
Thai: เหยือก
Turkish: kavanoz
Ukrainian: банка
Vietnamese: lọ
All related terms of 'jar'
jam jar
a glass container used for jam , a sweet preserve or jelly containing fruit, which has been boiled with sugar until the mixture sets
bell jar
a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect flower arrangements or fragile ornaments or to cover apparatus in experiments , esp to prevent gases escaping
fruit jar
a glass jar for canning fruit, vegetables, etc., sealed airtight with a cap
mason jar
an airtight glass jar for preserving food
Canopic jar
(in ancient Egypt ) one of four containers with tops in the form of animal heads of the gods , for holding the entrails of a mummy
ginger jar
a round jar with a domed lid , bulging out from the top and in toward the base, often adapted as a lamp base
Kilner jar
a glass preserving jar with an airtight lid , used for bottling fruit or vegetables
Leyden jar
an early type of capacitor consisting of a glass jar with the lower part of the inside and outside coated with tin foil
on a jar
(of a door ) slightly open; ajar
tobacco jar
a container formerly used for storing tobacco and keeping it fresh
apothecary jar
a small, covered jar , formerly used by druggists to hold pharmaceuticals, now chiefly in household use to hold spices , candies, cosmetics , etc., and sometimes decorated , as a lamp base or flower vase
canopic urn
an urn used in ancient Egypt to hold and preserve the internal organs of the mummified dead
be caught with your hand in the cookie jar
to be caught stealing or doing something wrong . The usual British expression is have your hand in the till .
Chinese translation of 'jar'
jar
(dʒɑːʳ)
n(c)
(= container) 广(廣)口瓶 (guǎngkǒupíng) (个(個), gè)
(= contents) 罐装(裝)物 (guànzhuāngwù) (种(種), zhǒng)
vi
to jar (on sb)[sound, remark]给(給)(某人)不愉快的感觉(覺) (gěi (mǒurén) bù yúkuài de gǎnjué)
(= move) 颠(顛)簸 (diānbǒ)
vt
(= shake, knock) 使震伤(傷) (shǐ zhènshāng)
(= grate on)[sound, remark]刺激 (cìjī)
1 (noun)
Definition
a wide-mouthed cylindrical glass container, used for storing food
We saved each season's harvest in clear glass jars.
Synonyms
pot
metal cooking pots
Use a large terracotta pot or a wooden tub.
container
The paint is supplied in a clear, plastic container.
flask
He took out a metal flask from his bag.
receptacle
a receptacle for water
vessel
plastic storage vessels
drum
a drum of chemical waste
vase
jug
a jug of water
pitcher
a pitcher of iced water
urn
crock
canister
repository
decanter
carafe
He ordered a carafe of wine.
flagon
2 (noun)
Definition
a glass of beer
(British, informal)
a few jars of their favourite tipple
Synonyms
drink
a drink of water.
cup
glass
taste
He took another small taste.
swallow
sip
Tariq took a sip of water.
draught
He took a draught of beer.
gulp
He drank half the water in one gulp.
swig (informal)
snifter (informal)
1 (verb)
Definition
to have an irritating or unpleasant effect
The least bit of discord seemed to jar on his nerves.
Synonyms
irritate
Their attitude irritates me.
grind
clash
The golden bangles on her arms clashed and jangled.
annoy
Try making a note of the things that annoy you.
offend
I had no intention of offending the community.
rattle
gall
It was their smugness that galled her most.
nettle
I instantly regretted my remark, because it obviously nettled him.
jangle
Her necklaces and bracelets jangled as she walked.
irk
The rehearsal process irked him increasingly.
grate on
get on your nerves (informal)
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang)
piss you off (taboo, slang)
discompose
2 (verb)
Definition
to be in disagreement or conflict
They had always been complementary and their temperaments seldom jarred.
Synonyms
clash
Don't make policy decisions which clash with company thinking.
conflict
He held firm opinions which sometimes conflicted with my own.
contrast
Johnstone's easy charm contrasted with the prickliness of his boss.
differ
The two leaders have differed on the issue of sanctions.
disagree
The two men disagreed about what to do next.
interfere
contend
The two main groups contended for power.
collide
It is likely that their interests will collide.
oppose
3 (verb)
Definition
to jolt or bump
The impact jarred his arm, right up to the shoulder.
Synonyms
jolt
The train jolted into motion.
rock
His death rocked the fashion business.
shake
The news of his escape had shaken them all.
disturb
He had been disturbed by the news of the attack.
bump
We left the road again and bumped over the mountainside.
rattle
He gently rattled the cage and whispered to the canary.
grate
agitate
Gently agitate the water with a paintbrush.
vibrate
rasp
convulse
He let out a cry that convulsed his whole body.
(noun)
Definition
a jolt or shock
Synonyms
jolt
One tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
shock
Steel barriers can bend and absorb the shock.
bump
Small children often cry after a minor bump.
vibration
convulsion
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agitate
Definition
to shake or stir (a liquid)
Gently agitate the water with a paintbrush.
Synonyms
stir,
beat,
mix,
shake,
disturb,
toss,
rouse,
churn
in the sense of annoy
Definition
to irritate or displease
Try making a note of the things that annoy you.
Synonyms
irritate,
trouble,
bore,
anger,
harry,
bother,
disturb,
provoke,
get (informal),
bug (informal),
needle (informal),
plague,
tease,
harass,
hassle (informal),
aggravate (informal),
badger,
gall,
madden,
ruffle,
exasperate,
nettle,
molest,
pester,
vex,
displease,
irk,
bedevil,
rile,
peeve,
get under your skin (informal),
get on your nerves (informal),
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
get up your nose (informal),
give someone grief (British, South Africa),
make your blood boil,
piss you off (taboo, slang),
rub someone up the wrong way (informal),
get your goat (slang),
get in your hair (informal),
get on your wick (British, slang),
get your dander up (informal),
get your back up,
incommode (formal),
put your back up,
hack you off (informal),
be on your back (slang)
in the sense of bump
Definition
to travel or proceed in jerks and jolts
We left the road again and bumped over the mountainside.
Synonyms
jerk,
shake,
bounce,
rattle,
jar,
jog,
lurch,
jolt,
jostle,
jounce
Synonyms of 'jar'
jar
Explore 'jar' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bump
Definition
an impact
Small children often cry after a minor bump.
Synonyms
knock,
hit,
blow,
shock,
impact,
rap,
collision,
thump
in the sense of carafe
Definition
a wide-mouthed bottle for water or wine
He ordered a carafe of wine.
Synonyms
jug,
pitcher,
flask,
decanter,
flagon
in the sense of collide
Definition
to conflict or disagree
It is likely that their interests will collide.
Synonyms
conflict,
clash,
be incompatible,
be at variance
in the sense of conflict
Definition
to be incompatible
He held firm opinions which sometimes conflicted with my own.
Synonyms
be incompatible,
clash,
differ,
disagree,
contend,
strive,
collide,
be at variance
in the sense of container
Definition
an object used to hold or store things in
The paint is supplied in a clear, plastic container.
Synonyms
holder,
vessel,
repository,
receptacle
in the sense of contend
Definition
to compete or fight
The two main groups contended for power.
Synonyms
compete,
fight,
struggle,
clash,
contest,
strive,
emulate,
vie,
grapple,
jostle,
skirmish,
dispute
in the sense of contrast
Johnstone's easy charm contrasted with the prickliness of his boss.
Synonyms
differ,
be contrary,
be distinct,
be at variance,
be dissimilar
in the sense of convulse
Definition
to shake or agitate violently
He let out a cry that convulsed his whole body.
Synonyms
shake,
twist,
agitate,
contort
in the sense of differ
Definition
to disagree
The two leaders have differed on the issue of sanctions.
Synonyms
disagree,
argue,
clash,
dispute,
dissent,
quarrel,
squabble,
quibble,
fail to agree,
debate,
oppose,
contend,
take issue,
demur,
take exception
in the sense of disagree
Definition
to have differing opinions or argue about (something)
The two men disagreed about what to do next.
Synonyms
differ (in opinion),
argue,
debate,
clash,
dispute,
contest,
fall out (informal),
contend,
dissent,
quarrel,
wrangle,
bicker,
take issue with,
have words (informal),
cross swords,
be at sixes and sevens
Additional synonyms
in the sense of discompose
Definition
to disturb or upset someone
Synonyms
disturb,
worry,
upset,
confuse,
embarrass,
provoke,
annoy,
rattle (informal),
irritate,
unsettle,
bewilder,
hassle (informal),
flurry,
fret,
agitate,
ruffle,
perplex,
unnerve,
disconcert,
nettle,
vex,
displease,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
discomfit
in the sense of disturb
Definition
to upset or worry
He had been disturbed by the news of the attack.
Synonyms
upset,
concern,
worry,
trouble,
shake,
excite,
alarm,
confuse,
distress,
distract,
dismay,
unsettle,
agitate,
ruffle,
confound,
unnerve,
vex,
fluster,
perturb,
derange,
discompose
in the sense of draught
Definition
a gulp or swallow
He took a draught of beer.
Synonyms
drink,
swallow,
slug,
mouthful,
swig
in the sense of drum
Definition
an object shaped like a drum
a drum of chemical waste
Synonyms
barrel,
tank,
container,
cylinder,
canister,
cask
in the sense of flask
Definition
a bottle with a narrow neck, esp. used in a laboratory
He took out a metal flask from his bag.
Synonyms
vessel,
bottle,
container,
Thermos flask,
hip flask,
vacuum flask
in the sense of gall
Definition
to annoy or irritate
It was their smugness that galled her most.
Synonyms
annoy,
provoke,
irritate,
aggravate (informal),
get (informal),
trouble,
bother,
disturb,
plague,
madden,
ruffle,
exasperate,
nettle,
vex,
displease,
irk,
rile (informal),
peeve (informal),
get under your skin (informal),
get on your nerves (informal),
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
get up your nose (informal),
give someone grief (British, South Africa),
make your blood boil,
piss you off (taboo, slang),
rub up the wrong way,
get on your wick (British, slang),
get your back up,
put your back up,
hack you off (informal)
in the sense of gulp
Definition
the quantity taken in a gulp
He drank half the water in one gulp.
Synonyms
swallow,
draught,
mouthful,
swig (informal)
in the sense of irk
Definition
to irritate or vex
The rehearsal process irked him increasingly.
Synonyms
irritate,
annoy,
aggravate (informal),
provoke,
bug (informal),
put out (informal),
gall,
ruffle,
nettle,
vex,
rile,
peeve (informal),
get on your nerves (informal),
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
miff (informal),
be on your back (slang),
piss you off (taboo, slang),
get in your hair (informal),
rub you up the wrong way (informal),
put your nose out of joint (informal),
get your back up,
put your back up,
hack you off (informal)
in the sense of jangle
Definition
to make a harsh unpleasant ringing noise
Her necklaces and bracelets jangled as she walked.
Synonyms
rattle,
ring,
clash,
clatter,
chime,
ping,
vibrate,
jingle,
ding,
clank
in the sense of jug
Definition
a container with a handle and a small spout, used for holding and pouring liquids
a jug of water
Synonyms
container,
pitcher,
urn,
carafe,
creamer (US, Canadian),
vessel,
jar,
crock,
ewer
Additional synonyms
in the sense of nettle
I instantly regretted my remark, because it obviously nettled him.
Synonyms
irritate,
provoke,
annoy,
gall,
sting,
aggravate (informal),
incense,
ruffle,
exasperate,
vex,
goad,
pique,
get on your nerves (informal),
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
hack you off (informal),
piss you off (taboo, slang),
harass,
hassle (informal),
fret,
chafe
in the sense of offend
Definition
to hurt the feelings of (a person)
I had no intention of offending the community.
Synonyms
distress,
upset,
outrage,
pain,
wound,
slight,
provoke,
insult,
annoy,
irritate,
put down,
dismay,
snub,
aggravate (informal),
gall,
agitate,
ruffle,
disconcert,
vex,
affront,
displease,
rile,
pique,
give offence,
hurt (someone's) feelings,
nark (British, Australian, New Zealand, slang),
cut to the quick,
miff (informal),
tread on (someone's) toes (informal),
piss you off (taboo, slang),
put (someone's) nose out of joint,
put (someone's) back up,
disgruntle,
get (someone's) goat (slang),
hack someone off (informal)
in the sense of pitcher
Definition
a large jug, usually rounded with a narrow neck
a pitcher of iced water
Synonyms
jug,
jar,
vessel,
urn,
crock,
ewer,
carafe
in the sense of rattle
Definition
to shake briskly causing sharp sounds
He gently rattled the cage and whispered to the canary.
Synonyms
shake,
jiggle,
jolt,
vibrate,
bounce,
jar,
jounce
in the sense of receptacle
Definition
an object used to contain something
a receptacle for water
Synonyms
container,
case,
box,
holder,
vessel,
drum,
basin,
crate,
canister,
repository
in the sense of rock
Definition
to feel or cause to feel shock
His death rocked the fashion business.
Synonyms
shock,
surprise,
shake,
stun,
astonish,
stagger,
jar,
astound,
daze,
dumbfound,
set you back on your heels (informal)
in the sense of shake
Definition
to shock, disturb, or upset
The news of his escape had shaken them all.
Synonyms
upset,
shock,
frighten,
disturb,
distress,
move,
rattle (informal),
intimidate,
unnerve,
discompose,
traumatize
in the sense of shock
Definition
a sudden and violent blow or impact
Steel barriers can bend and absorb the shock.
Synonyms
impact,
blow,
jolt,
clash,
encounter,
bump,
jarring,
collision,
jerk
in the sense of sip
Definition
an amount sipped
Tariq took a sip of water.
Synonyms
swallow,
mouthful,
swig,
drop,
taste,
slurp,
thimbleful
in the sense of taste
Definition
a small amount eaten, sipped, or tried on the tongue