jetsam

noun

jet·​sam ˈjet-səm 

1

: the part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore

2

: flotsam sense 2

Examples of jetsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Full of the flotsam and jetsam of everyday affairs. —Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 July 2024

Luke called the vultures back and reshot the scene with the jetsam of pestilence. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023

The barge carried acoustic equipment and was festooned with fluorescent light sticks and suspended jetsam that clinked and chimed. —Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023

For Kevin Nunez and his son Nathan, Native Americans who have long family history locked within the rugged and geologically active mountains, volunteering to help remove the flotsam and jetsam of tourists is a solemn duty. —Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

alteration of jettison

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

jetsam

noun

jet·​sam ˈjet-səm 

: goods thrown overboard to lighten a ship in distress

especially : such goods when washed ashore

Legal Definition

jetsam

noun

jet·​sam ˈjet-səm 

: the part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore compare flotsam