ajar

adjective or adverb

: slightly open
left the door ajar

Examples of ajar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the door is left ajar after a finale phone call heading into season two. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026 With an impressive scoreless inning of relief Tuesday, Birdsong is keeping that door ajar ever so slightly. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026 The window has been thrust ajar in Dove Valley. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026 But Villa have still left the door ajar for possible Champions League contenders such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Beren Cross, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ajar

Word History

Etymology

earlier on char, from Middle English, from on + char turn — more at chare

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ajar was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ajar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ajar. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

ajar

adverb or adjective
: slightly open
left the door ajar

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