jazz

jazz · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythms.

  2. 2.

    To play or dance to jazz music.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Lively spirit, energy, or excitement.

  4. 4.

    (jazz up) To make something more lively, interesting, or attractive.

  5. 5.

    (informal) Stuff, things; used dismissively.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    jazz up — to make more exciting or interesting
  • •
    all that jazz — and other similar things (often dismissive)
  • •
    jazz hands — a gesture with hands spread and fingers wiggling, used in musical theater

Related words

See also: blues, improvisation, music, swing
Synonyms: bebop, swing

Etymology

Origin uncertain; first attested around 1912-1915 in American English. Various theories exist about its origin, including possible African, Creole, or slang sources.