jinx

1 of 2

noun

: 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

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
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.
Noun
This gave Mahomes the go ahead to change up his hairstyle without worrying about a potential jinx. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 And while some Kansas City fans (and McAfee) may be worried that a haircut could put a jinx on the team, #15 already had that worked out. Effie Orfanides, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
Hynes declined to address the penalty kill after the game as not to jinx it. Michael Russo, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025 At the risk of jinxing it, there's nothing like being in on an obscure player like Post and taking full advantage until his props markets properly adjust. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jinx

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of jinx was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jinx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jinx. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

jinx

1 of 2 noun
: someone or something that brings bad luck

jinx

2 of 2 verb
: to bring bad luck to

More from Merriam-Webster on jinx

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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