What does jaywalk mean?
Jaywalk means to walk across a road outside a designated pedestrian crossing, usually in a place where vehicles are moving and often against the direction of traffic. The word is used especially in legal, news, and safety contexts, and it carries a clear negative connotation because crossing in traffic can endanger both the pedestrian and drivers. A marked crossing is usually called a crosswalk, while a pedestrian who ignores traffic signals or crosses between vehicles is commonly described as jaywalking. The practice is illegal in many places, although the precise regulations differ by country and city. Jaywalk is also used more broadly for risky, careless, or socially disapproved behaviour, especially in phrases such as “caught jaywalking.” In everyday conversation, the related noun jaywalker refers to someone who crosses a road in this way.
verbTo walk across a street or other roadway outside a designated pedestrian crossing, usually against the flow of traffic. It is commonly prohibited by law and is especially dangerous for pedestrians.
- To walk across a street or roadway without using a designated pedestrian crossing.
"He was fined for jaywalking across the busy intersection."
"The pedestrian jaywalked across the road and narrowly avoided an oncoming car."
"Local authorities have increased warnings and fines for jaywalking near schools."
Jaywalking is both a traffic violation and a quick shorthand for the everyday risk of crossing the road wherever it seems convenient.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jaywalk come from?
The word is an American compound formed from “jay” and “walk” in the early twentieth century. “Jay” contributed the sense of foolish or thoughtless behaviour, while “walk” provided the literal action. The compound originally conveyed the idea of walking carelessly or deliberately through traffic, and its modern meaning became established as a reference to crossing a road illegally.
Related word forms
How jaywalk is actually used
The term is common in both British and American English. It is primarily used for illegal or unsafe pedestrian behaviour, although the legal rules concerning crossings vary by jurisdiction.
Easily confused with jaywalk
A crosswalk is a marked pedestrian crossing, while to jaywalk is to cross a roadway outside such a designated crossing, often against traffic.