English Explanatory Dictionary

jack-in-the-box

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Children’s toy consisting of a small box from which a male figure pops out unexpectedly after some turnings of a crank.
  2. A small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.
  3. A con-man who deceived tradesmen by substituting empty boxes for others full of money.

Pronunciation

En-us-jack-in-the-box.oga

Word forms

jack-in-the-box jacks-in-boxes jacks-in-the-boxes jack-in-the-boxes jacks-in-the-box

Related words

Jack o’ the clock

Derived words

jack-in-the-box effect
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