What does jetting mean?
“Jetting” means travelling by jet aircraft or moving with exceptional speed. It is the present participle of “jet,” a verb that commonly describes rapid air travel: a person may be jetting between meetings on different continents, while an aircraft may be jetting across a sky at high velocity. In informal and business writing, “jetting” can also suggest a busy, expensive lifestyle associated with frequent international travel, as in “jetting around the world.” The word usually carries a sense of speed and efficiency, although it may sometimes imply urgency, privilege, or a demanding schedule. It is especially common in journalism, aviation, transport, and business contexts, where it describes both the movement and the people or vehicles undertaking it.
verb (present participle of jet)Travelling or moving rapidly by jet aircraft, or moving with great speed. In informal contexts, it can also mean travelling by air or moving quickly and extravagantly.
- Travelling by jet aircraft.
- Moving or flying with great speed.
- Informally, travelling rapidly or frequently by air.
"The business executive is jetting between London and New York for a series of meetings."
"The rescue team is jetting toward the remote island with medical supplies."
"After a brief meeting, she was jetting back across the Atlantic."
The aviation sense of “jet” belongs to the age of jet propulsion: the word evokes aircraft that could cross continents in hours, turning distance into something that could be treated almost like a short journey.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jetting come from?
The word “jet” comes through French from Latin roots associated with throwing or projecting. Its modern aviation sense developed in the 20th century with jet propulsion, while earlier uses included a narrow stream of water, air, or another substance. “Jettison,” “jetsam,” and “jetty” belong to a related family of words deriving from the same French and Latin tradition.
Related word forms
How jetting is actually used
“Jetting” is a present participle and gerund form of “jet.” It is common in journalistic and business contexts and can sound informal in phrases such as “jetting around the world.” In compounds such as “jetting aircraft,” it functions adjectivally.