jaunt oxford definition

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What does the verb jaunt mean?

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb jaunt , four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the verb jaunt ?

How is the verb jaunt pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the verb jaunt come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb jaunt is in the late 1500s.

OED's earliest evidence for jaunt is from 1570, in a translation by Barnabe Googe, poet and translator.

jaunt is of unknown origin.

Nearby entries

• jaune, adj. 1430–
• jaune antique, n. 1875–
• jaune brillant, n. 1851–
• Jaune Desprez, n. 1837–
• jaune jonquille, n. 1910–
• jaunette, n. 1423–1673
• jaunish | jawnish, adj. 1597
• jaunsel, v. 1590
• jaunt, n.¹ 1597–
• jaunt, n.² 1706–21
• jaunt, v. 1570–
• jauntily, adv. 1828–
• jauntiness, n. 1712–
• jaunting-car, n. 1805–
• jauntingly, adv. 1839–
• jaunty, n. 1902–
• jaunty, adj. 1662–
• jaup | jawp, n. 1513–
• jaup | jawp, v. 1513–
• Java, n. 1743–
• javaite, n. 1938–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for jaunt, v..

jaunt, v. was first published in 1900; not yet revised.

jaunt, v. was last modified in March 2024.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into jaunt, v. in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1900)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View jaunt, v. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for jaunt, v., browse entry.

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Translations
• 1.4.1 Derived terms
• 1.4.2 Translations
• 1.5 References
• 1.6 Anagrams

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

Origin uncertain. Perhaps a palatalised alteration of daunt ( “ to discourage ” ) . Compare Scots jaunder ( “ to ramble, jaunt to taunt, jeer ” ) , dialectal Swedish ganta ( “ to play the buffoon, romp, jest ” ) ; perhaps akin to English jump . Compare jaunce . Modern usage likely influenced by jaunty .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• IPA ( key ) : /ˈd͡ʒɔːnt/
• ( some accents ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈdʒɑːnt/
• Rhymes: -ɔːnt , -ɑːnt

Noun [ edit ]

jaunt ( plural jaunts )

• 1671 , John Milton , “The Fourth Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes , London: [ … ] J. M [ acock ] for John Starkey   [ … ] , →OCLC : Our Savior, meek, and with untroubled mind After his aëry jaunt , though hurried sore. Hungry and cold, betook him to his rest.
• 1597 , William Shakespeare , Romeo & Juliet : Fie, what a jaunt have I had.
• 1902 , John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide : Some days later it happened that young Heriotside was stepping home over the Lang Muir about ten at night, it being his first jaunt from home since his arm had mended.

Translations [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

jaunt ( third-person singular simple present jaunts , present participle jaunting , simple past and past participle jaunted )

• ( intransitive ) To ramble here and there; to stroll ; to make an excursion .
• ( intransitive ) To ride on a jaunting car .
• 1818 , Cobbett's Weekly Political Register : To get into a Grecian car, and to be drawn, with Minerva at his back [ … ] four or five miles through the streets of London‥after having quietly suffered himself to be jaunted about in this manner
• ( obsolete ) To tire a horse by riding it hard or back and forth.

Derived terms [ edit ]

• jaunting car

References [ edit ]

Anagrams [ edit ].

• jantu , junta

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• Rhymes:English/ɑːnt
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Definition of 'jaunt'

jaunt in British English

Jaunt in american english, examples of 'jaunt' in a sentence jaunt, cobuild collocations jaunt, trends of jaunt.

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Definition of jaunt

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of jaunt  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

Examples of jaunt in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jaunt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

origin unknown

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 2

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Articles Related to jaunt

8 Ways to Get Away From It All

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Dictionary Entries Near jaunt

jaune brillant

jaunting car

Cite this Entry

“Jaunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jaunt. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of jaunt, more from merriam-webster on jaunt.

Nglish: Translation of jaunt for Spanish Speakers

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Dictionary definition of jaunt

A short trip or excursion, usually for pleasure or leisure, often implying a sense of casualness or informality. "The romantic jaunt to the city was the perfect getaway for the couple."

Detailed meaning of jaunt

The term is often used to describe a quick trip or outing that is taken for fun, rather than for a specific purpose. For example, a weekend jaunt to the countryside, or a day jaunt to a nearby city. A jaunt can also imply a sense of adventure or spontaneity, as it suggests a trip that is taken on a whim or without much planning. The term is often used in contrast to a more formal or structured trip, such as a vacation or business trip. Jaunt also implies a sense of brevity, it's a short and usually pleasant trip, usually it's not a long term commitment. In general, a jaunt is a short and casual trip, usually taken for pleasure or leisure, that implies a sense of adventure and spontaneity.

Example sentences of jaunt

1. We took a leisurely jaunt through the picturesque countryside. 2. The couple embarked on a romantic jaunt along the coastline. 3. The weekend jaunt to the mountains was filled with breathtaking views. 4. She went on a solo jaunt to explore the bustling city streets. 5. The group organized a spontaneous jaunt to a nearby vineyard. 6. The family enjoyed a refreshing jaunt through the lush forest trails.

History and etymology of jaunt

The noun 'jaunt' has its etymological roots in the Middle French word 'jent,' which meant 'a day's journey' or 'a day's work.' This Middle French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Old French word 'journée,' meaning 'day' and, by extension, 'a day's travel or excursion.' The transition from 'journée' to 'jent' in Middle French reflected the linguistic shifts of the time. In English, 'jaunt' emerged during the 17th century, retaining its essence as a short trip or excursion, often for pleasure or leisure, with a connotation of informality and casualness. This etymology underscores the historical association of 'jaunt' with the idea of a brief journey or day's outing.

Find the meaning of jaunt

Further usage examples of jaunt.

1. They decided to go on a jaunt to discover hidden gems in the city. 2. The jaunt to the amusement park was filled with laughter and excitement. 3. He took a short jaunt during his lunch break to clear his mind. 4. The friends planned a jaunt to visit historical landmarks in the area. 5. The jaunt to the beach included a relaxing picnic by the shore. 6. She went on a shopping jaunt, visiting various boutiques and shops. 7. The jaunt through the old town gave them a glimpse into the city's rich history. 8. They embarked on a culinary jaunt, trying out different restaurants in the neighborhood. 9. The weekend jaunt to the cabin allowed them to reconnect with nature. 10. The hiking enthusiasts organized a challenging jaunt up the mountain. 11. The spontaneous jaunt to the concert turned out to be a memorable experience. 12. She decided to take a jaunt to the bookstore to find a new novel to read. 13. The jaunt to the art gallery showcased a diverse collection of masterpieces. 14. They planned a jaunt to the countryside to witness the beauty of the changing seasons.

Quiz categories containing jaunt

Multiple Choice

Opposite Words

Same/different

Spelling Bee

awayday,detour,journey,outing,stroll,tour,trek

eb68db_91e59938480545b2903d58d1b24dc0e4.mp3

outing, residency, stay, inhabitancy

amble,expedition,frolic,junket,ramble

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Definition of jaunt – Learner’s Dictionary

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(Definition of jaunt from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translations of jaunt

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of or relating to birds

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Definition of gaunt adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• 2 ( of a building ) not attractive and without any decoration the gaunt ruin of the old castle

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