jinx

1 of 2

noun

ˈjiŋ(k)s 

: one that brings bad luck

also : the state or spell of bad luck brought on by a jinx

jinx

2 of 2

verb

jinxed; jinxing; jinxes

transitive verb

: to foredoom to failure or misfortune : bring bad luck to

Synonyms

Noun

• hex
• hoodoo
• Indian sign [chiefly British]
• whammy

Examples of jinx in a Sentence

Noun

That guy is a jinx.

He felt like he'd finally broken the jinx.

She threatened to put a jinx on him.

Verb

I thought they were going to win but I didn't say so because I didn't want to jinx them.

His luck has been so bad he feels jinxed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Sep. 2024

In the interview area afterwards, amid the high jinx, there was sincerity; glimpses of football’s soul. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 15 Apr. 2024

Verb

Users at the time prophetically joked that Cruz had obviously jinxed the Rockets. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 1 Nov. 2024

Not to jinx myself, but the things that people expect a quick reply to are rarely urgent. —Kelly Washington, refinery29.com, 18 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps alteration of jynx wryneck; from the use of wrynecks in witchcraft

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

jinx

1 of 2 noun

ˈjiŋ(k)s 

: someone or something that brings bad luck

jinx

2 of 2 verb

: to bring bad luck to