jack-in-the-box

noun

ˈjak-ən-t͟hə-ˌbäks How to pronounce jack-in-the-box (audio)
plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box
: a toy consisting of a small box out of which a figure (as of a clown's head) springs when the lid is raised

Examples of jack-in-the-box in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Nuggets’ jack-in-the-box lost his spring because of his hamstring. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026 But then, like some demented jack-in-the-box, the terrier popped up and charged again. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026 Ahmad also uses the jack-in-the-box version of tension. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 Intercoms were also shaped like jack-in-the-box toys, with menus displayed on a plexiglass box topped by a clown’s head. — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jack-in-the-box

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jack-in-the-box was in 1659

Rhymes for jack-in-the-box

See All Rhymes for jack-in-the-box

Browse Nearby Words

jack-in-office
jack-in-the-box
Jack-in-the-Green
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jack-in-the-box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jack-in-the-box. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jack-in-the-box

noun
ˈjak-ən-t͟hə-ˌbäks
plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box
: a small box out of which a figure (as of a clown's head) springs when the lid is raised

More from Merriam-Webster on jack-in-the-box

Nglish: Translation of jack-in-the-box for Spanish Speakers

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