jersey

noun

jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

plural jerseys

1

a

: any of various close-fitting usually circular-knitted garments especially for the upper body

b

: an often loose-fitting shirt that is worn by a member of a sports team as part of a team uniform and that typically has the athlete's name and number on the back

a football jersey

2

: a plain weft-knitted fabric made of wool, cotton, nylon, rayon, or silk and used especially for clothing

3

capitalized : any of a breed of small short-horned predominantly yellowish brown or fawn dairy cattle noted for their rich milk

Examples of jersey in a Sentence

The dress is made of cotton jersey.

Recent Examples on the Web

Weisberg said the wardrobe is more relaxed at the open-air Steinbrenner; staffers can wear jerseys—allowing for better airflow in the Florida heat—as well as sneakers, sun hats and ponchos when necessary. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025

In partnership with the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, the team wears jerseys decorated with the handprints of active treatment patients, survivors, and their siblings. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025

Start adding Las Vegas Raiders jerseys to your online shopping carts, Bronco fans. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2025

Men’s cycling jersey FAQ Are cycling jerseys good for mountain biking? —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Jersey, one of the Channel Islands

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

jersey

noun

jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

plural jerseys

1

: a plain knitted fabric

2

: a close-fitting knitted garment (as a shirt)

3

capitalized : any of a breed of small usually light tan dairy cattle having short horns and noted for their rich milk

Geographical Definition

Jersey

geographical name

Jer·​sey ˈjər-zē 

1

island in the English Channel; one of the Channel Islands; capital Saint Helier area 45 square miles (117 square kilometers)

Note: The Jersey breed of cattle, the knit fabric called jersey, and the types of upper-body garments called jerseys all derive their names from this island.

2

new jersey

—an informal name

Jerseyan

ˈjər-zē-ən 

noun

Jerseyite

ˈjər-zē-ˌīt 

noun