jumping jack

American  

noun

1. a toy consisting of a jointed figure that is made to jump, move, or dance by pulling a string or stick attached to it.

2. Also called side-straddle hop.  a conditioning exercise performed by starting from a standing position with legs together and arms resting at the sides and then jumping to a position with the legs spread apart and out to the sides while simultaneously extending the arms out from the sides to an overhead position with the hands touching and finishing by reversing these movements to return to the starting position.

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jumping jack British  

noun

1. a firework having a long narrow tube filled with gunpowder, folded like an accordion so that when lit it burns with small explosions causing it to jump along the ground

2. a toy figure of a man with jointed limbs that can be moved by pulling attached strings

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Etymology

Origin of jumping jack

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

From that first night when she shed tears in the bathroom to tears of joy when she successfully did a jumping jack during rehab, it was a struggle of highs and lows.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2023

It’s constructed from coarsely woven white plastic sheeting with “Save the Children” and a jumping jack printed on it in red.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 31, 2018

"What does Trump call one jumping jack?" he asked Sanders.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2018

I don't often get tangled in my headphones, but it was nice not worrying about it while pulling on a sweatshirt or doing a jumping jack — a glimpse into a future world without wires.

From Washington Post • Dec. 22, 2016

“Yep,” Ernie said, slapping his hands together over his head in a jumping jack.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds