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.
There was one door that was ajar and that was towards the rear of the residence that two of the dogs that survived were coming in and out of the residence. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025 While welcome, those were mere cracks of light through a door barely ajar, and all too typical of a court system that leaves transparency up to judges. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025 About three-quarters of the way through the cooking time, set the lid slightly ajar so the liquid can reduce and flip the meat if the top looks dried out. Peter Burke, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024 The door is ajar for Republicans to make further gains with these two groups. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 23 Nov. 2024 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 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ajar

adverb or adjective
: slightly open
left the door ajar

More from Merriam-Webster on ajar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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