jamming

word · lemma: jam

Definition

Jamming can refer to something becoming stuck or blocked, especially in a machine, to blocking or interfering with radio signals, or to improvising music with other musicians.

Usage & Nuances

'Jamming' is informal. In technology, it usually means blocking signals ('signal jamming'). In music, 'jamming' means playing or improvising together informally ('jamming session'). When talking about machines, it means becoming stuck ('the printer is jamming'). Be careful: 'jam' as a noun also means fruit spread, not related to these meanings.

Example Sentences

Radio jamming stopped the signal from coming through.

basic

The paper keeps jamming in the printer.

basic

The band is jamming in the garage tonight.

basic

We were jamming for hours and came up with a new song.

natural

Their signals were being blocked by enemy jamming.

natural

My phone keeps jamming when I try to download big files.

natural