A2noun2K

Jam

UK /["/dʒæm/"]/US /["/dʒæm/"]/

Definition

a thick sweet substance made by boiling fruit with sugar, often sold in jars and spread on bread

In simple words: A thick sweet food made by boiling fruit with sugar.

Examples

  • I love to spread strawberry jam on my toast in the morning.
  • The band decided to have a jam session to practice for their upcoming concert.
  • There was a serious traffic jam on the highway during rush hour.
  • She made a delicious raspberry jam using fresh berries from the garden.
  • The children were excited to play in the music jam with other kids.

Usage notes

Use 'jam' when referring to fruit spreads used on bread. It's neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid in highly technical discussions.

Grammar pattern

jam + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'traffic jam' where things are stuck, like fruit in a jar!

Collocations

  • home-made
  • apricot
  • raspberry
  • dollop
  • jar
  • pot
  • make
  • spread (something with)
  • jar
  • doughnut
  • sandwich
  • bread and jam

Synonyms

  • preserve
  • conserve
  • spread
  • syrup

Antonyms

  • clearness
  • order

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'jelly' — jelly is a different type of spread.
  • Using 'jam' as a verb incorrectly — it can also mean to become stuck.
  • Mixing up the terms 'jam' and 'marmalade'.