ajar
1 Americanadjective
adverb
adjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of ajar1
1350–1400; Middle English on char on the turn; a- 1, char 3
Origin of ajar2
1545–55; for at jar at discord; jar 3 (noun)
Explanation
The adjective ajar describes something that is slightly open. A door that has been left ajar is easily pushed open by the wind or a nosy person. To correctly pronounce ajar, say "uh-JAR." People in a hurry leave drawers and cabinet doors ajar, or hanging open. If a chime starts ringing when you start a car, a door or the trunk may be ajar. Check that everything is securely closed before taking off. But don't describe a mouth that is open in surprise as ajar. A better word choice is agape.
Vocabulary lists containing ajar
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Six
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Chains
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Mr. Popper’s Penguins
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Saturday's chastening 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth, however, has once again left the door ajar for Pep Guardiola's side.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
A defeat would leave the door ajar for Pakistan to beat eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday with the second semi-final berth then being decided on net run rate.
From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026
A defender must monitor every virtual door and window; an attacker need only find one that is ajar.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026
If our hearts weren’t already open, they’ve just been forced ajar with a rusty, emotional crowbar.
From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025
And the great gates were ajar and the people pressed forward so tightly packed together that foot was on foot and body wedged tightly against body so that the whole mass moved together as one.
From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
