jump seat

American  

noun

1. a movable or folding seat, as in a carriage, taxicab, or limousine, used as an extra seat.

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jump seat British  

noun

1. a folding seat for temporary use, as on the flight deck of some aircraft for an additional crew member

2. a folding seat in a motor vehicle such as in a London taxi

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Etymology

Origin of jump seat

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

The Alaska Airlines pilot, who was riding in a jump seat on the flight deck, currently faces state and federal charges related to the incident.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2024

Mr. Emerson was off duty during the flight, and was riding in the cockpit jump seat.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Most of the time during the flight, I sat in the cockpit with the pilots, in a jump seat.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2023

When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied it’s often filled by an off-duty pilot, but the seat can be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.

From Washington Times • Oct. 23, 2023

The Noe girls, Karen and Carol, were sitting in the backward-facing jump seat, looking out the rear window.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls