jitney

[ jit-nee ]

noun

, plural jit·neys.

1. a small bus or car following a regular route along which it picks up and discharges passengers, originally charging each passenger five cents.
2. Older Slang. a nickel; five-cent piece.

verb (used with or without object)

, jit·neyed, jit·ney·ing.

1. to carry or ride in a jitney.

jitney

/ ˈdʒɪtnɪ /

noun

1. a small bus that carries passengers for a low price, originally five cents
2. slang.
   a nickel; five cents

Word History and Origins

Origin of jitney¹

1900–05, Americanism; of obscure origin; French jeton jetton is a phonetically implausible source

Word History and Origins

Origin of jitney¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

I never enjoyed meeting anyone so much before as that jitney man.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally the truck halted, and the jitney traveled on a few hundred feet in advance before it, too, had to stop.

From Project Gutenberg

I am starting a jitney-line and am always on hand for my clients.

From Project Gutenberg

Dad says I have to be sixteen before I can have a license to drive a jitney.

From Project Gutenberg

The jitney struck its bone-shaking gait along the curving street of Endicutt.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carriage
• taxi
• taxicab